How Matthews lost a faceoff to set up a big Maple Leafs goal

Auston Matthews appeared to display hockey smarts beyond his years Saturday in Ottawa.

Presented with a faceoff opportunity in the offensive zone, the Toronto Maple Leafs teenage rookie sensation lost the draw, only to use that to his advantage en route to setting up an important third-period insurance marker.

Here's how it happened.

With the Maple Leafs already up by a goal 12:10 into the final frame, Matthews (34) and Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) set up at the dot for an important draw to goaltender Mike Condon's (1) left.

Pageau won the draw cleanly - too cleanly - and Matthews immediately darted for the loose puck heading to no-man's land, with Ottawa defenseman Cody Ceci (5) and winger Tom Pyatt (10) stationed in front of Condon, and defenseman Mark Borowiecki (74) lined up at left wing.

Matthews was indeed able to scoop the puck, and drew the attention of both Ottawa defensemen and its center. Meanwhile, Toronto winger Connor Brown (12) - unchecked by Pyatt - waited expectantly in front of the Senators' net.

Matthews was able to whip a backhand pass to Brown, who promptly fired a one-timer that sailed past Condon's blocker side.

In went Brown's 11th goal of the season, while Matthews recorded his 16th assist and drew an impressive comparison in the process.

Auston Matthews deliberately loses the draw to gain better position in the offensive zone. Shades of Ryan Getzlaf

- Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) January 15, 2017

Matthews admitted after the game it was indeed by design.

"We kind of planned it, said Matthews," per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet. "I said I was going forward so we found a really good spot. I kind of just knew where he was going to be."

Now that Connor McDavid had turned 20, Matthews is without question the best teenager in hockey, at the very least.

(Images courtesy: NHL.com)

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