Not to take a thing away from Mathews, but technically speaking, not a record -- HOF'er Joe Malone, although long a star
in the NHL's pro predecessor, the NHA, potted five goals in his first NHL game, the very first NHL game ever (1917).
We'd bet there are other examples, given the tiny rosters and high level of scoring back then.
The NHL often thinks its history began when Bettman became league President.
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