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Toronto Maple Leafs: How Matthews Stacks Up Against Former 1st Overall Picks

By Shaun Filippelli

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals and Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins take the ice before playing during the first period at Capital One Arena on February 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Alexander Ovechkin (2004)

NHL Standard Career Statistics
Scor Scor Scor Goal Goal Goal Goal Assi Assi Assi
Season Age Tm GP G A PTS +/- PIM EV PP SH GW EV PP SH
05-06 20 WSH 81 52 54 106 2 52 28 21 3 5 23 31 0
06-07 21 WSH 82 46 46 92 -19 52 30 16 0 8 25 21 0
07-08 22 WSH 82 65 47 112 28 40 43 22 0 11 32 15 0
08-09 23 WSH 79 56 54 110 8 72 36 19 1 10 27 27 0

Provided by Hockey-Reference.com: View Original Table

Alexander Ovechkin didn’t waste any early opportunities to prove his goal-scoring prowess. He netted 52 in his rookie year and averaged over 50 per season throughout his first four. Ovechkin was an All-Star and Calder Trophy winner in year one.

Obviously a superstar from the start, Ovechkin continued to pile up impressive numbers with each passing campaign. Yet, the rest of his Washington Capitals took some time to finally catch up as it took nearly 15 years for him to win his first Cup.

Ovechkin is now entering territory that select few will ever be able to reach. He has a legitimate opportunity to overtake Gretzky as the all-time leader in goals scored throughout NHL history.

First Four Years:

  • Games Played: 324
  • Goals: 219
  • Assists: 201
  • Points: 420
  • Points Per Game: 1.30

First Stanley Cup: 2018

Sidney Crosby (2005)

NHL Standard Career Statistics
Scor Scor Scor Goal Goal Goal Goal Assi Assi Assi
Season Age Tm GP G A PTS +/- PIM EV PP SH GW EV PP SH
05-06 18 PIT 81 39 63 102 -1 110 23 16 0 5 30 31 2
06-07 19 PIT 79 36 84 120 10 60 23 13 0 4 36 48 0
07-08 20 PIT 53 24 48 72 18 39 18 6 0 4 26 21 1
08-09 21 PIT 77 33 70 103 3 76 26 7 0 3 36 33 1

Provided by Hockey-Reference.com: View Original Table

Touted as the next Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby has displayed an unmatched work ethic throughout his career. Entering the league as an 18-year-old, he was able to put up over 100 points. Believe it or not, Crosby did not win rookie of the year.

As Crosby settled into the league, his impact became even more apparent. He hasn’t just been one to get his name on the scoresheet, he also lifts the play of all those around him. He continues to be a threat to every opponent that faces him.

Having won three Stanley Cups before the age of 30, Crosby has already secured his place amongst the league’s elite. He continues to push his Penguins to contend each and every year.

First Four Years:

  • Games Played: 290
  • Goals: 99
  • Assists: 195
  • Points: 397
  • Points Per Game: 1.37

First Stanley Cup: 2009

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