Patrik Laine isn't concerned with keeping the ridiculous pace set by Auston Matthews in the initial strides of the rookie scoring race.

When asked whether or not he needed five goals to top Matthews, who became the first player in history to score four in his NHL debut Wednesday in an overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, Laine wisely imparted a team-first mentality.

"No, I need two points," he told TSN's Gary Lawless. "Two for the win."

Laine's more than welcomed comparisons with Matthews in the past, telling reporters plainly that he was the better prospect for the Maple Leafs in the lead-up to last summer's draft.

But as far as their NHL debuts, it's probably the right move, downplaying the comparison.

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