Shawn Matthias scores hustle goal of the year in the NHL (VIDEO)

What do you want out of a spectacular goal in the NHL?

Artistry? Athleticism? How about sheer, unadulterated hustle, as exhibited by Shawn Matthias of the Florida Panthers on this brilliant shorthanded goal at the Boston Bruins on Thursday night?

The Bruins were sloppy with the puck on the entry into the Florida zone, as a pass back to Dougie Hamilton slipped by the rookie down the ice. He gave chase with Matthias closing in. The Panthers forward dove for the puck as they crossed the defensive blue line, both players tumbling to the ice. But it was Matthias that controlled the puck, and tucked it past a stunned Tuukka Rask for the Panthers’ first goal of the game.

Watching the replay, it appears Matthias moves the puck ahead with his glove to his stick, before sending it home on the backhand.

Bottom line: Good things happen when Matthias hits the ice. Remember this classic from 2010?