Picking up an assist against his childhood team was great, but it's not what Auston Matthews will cherish about his first-ever game in his hometown rink.

The mature Toronto Maple Leafs rookie spoke postgame following the highly anticipated contest and admitted - like a true pro - that in the end it's all about picking up two points.

"It was special. Like I said earlier – today, coming home and playing in front of the home crowd, playing where I grew up, it's definitely a special moment," Matthews said, according to the team. "To get the two points here and to win definitely puts the cherry on top."

Matthews was fortunate to have plenty of family and friends in attendance, and after growing up as a fan of the Coyotes and looking up to Shane Doan, the 19-year-old finally got the chance to go face to face with him.

In fact, Matthews got to line up against the Coyotes captain on the game's opening faceoff and - along with all in attendance - witnessed Doan collect career goal No. 400 in his 1,500th game; two moments that made the game that much more special.

"I saw him come up, it happened pretty quick," said Matthews. "It's kind of that part of the game that makes it pretty special.

"Obviously he got his 400th goal tonight playing in his 1,500th game. That's a pretty unbelievable accomplishment for him. I'm happy for him, but I'm happy that we got the win as well."

On the other hand, Matthews admits Doan's milestone moment could have been even sweeter if just for one thing.

"It would have been nice if I wasn't on the ice for that one," Matthews said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.

In all, Matthews' return to where it all began couldn't have gone much better. It's just unfortunate that Matthews won't have the chance to return for another game until next season.

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