'It Was Pretty Special': Gavin McKenna Feeling The Love From Maple Leafs' Fans, Teammates React To His First NHL Goal

It was a historic night at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, as Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna scored his first NHL point and goal against the Nashville Predators.

The crowd completely erupted when his name was called on the PA for both goals that he contributed to and, of course, when his goal itself was scored.

"Definitely feeling the love from the fans," McKenna said after Toronto's 5-4 overtime win against Nashville. "That one obviously feels good, and (I) love this fan base. So to hear that, it was pretty special."

The fans were happy, but McKenna's teammates and coaches were thrilled for the 18-year-old, in a moment he called "a big monkey off the back," even if this was only his fourth NHL game.

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who had the primary assist on McKenna's goal, was asked about the moment, and his face lit up.

"It was great," Matthews said. "I mean, he's been playing great, and it can be tough when you don't score for a little bit. But, I mean, you saw he made a nice play in the D zone there. Johnny goes down and scores. And, I think it just kind of gives you a little boost. He scores the goal and gives you another little boost. He's got all the confidence in the world in himself in the best way possible. But, obviously, when you find the back of the net, it obviously helps. And it was great to see him and get that moment, and enjoy that. It's very well deserved."

Also, for someone who has made a living of catch-and-release finishes, Matthews was impressed with McKenna's shot, labelling it as "beautiful."

"That was awesome," William Nylander said of his goal. "I mean, I was so happy for him. That moment is just something you never forget. It was a bullet, top shelf, so I'd be very happy for that one."

Also impressed with the goal was Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller."That goal was a goal-scorer's goal," he said post-game. "We know he's a playmaker, I guess. That's kind of by trade, he's a playmaker. But that was a goal-scorer's goal. Got his feet around it on the strong side, and he had some zip on it."

What Hiller liked most about McKenna's first NHL goal was how important it was for the team, and how he came through in a big moment. The rookie's goal brought the Leafs within one goal of the Preds, making it 4-3 for Nashville.

"It was a big goal in the hockey game," Hiller said. "So that's the one you remember. It was really important. It wasn't the first goal of the game. It was an important moment, and he came up big in an important moment. So I like that."

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