The Toronto Maple Leafs will be getting their captain back. Auston Matthews returns to the lineup for a clash against the Boston Bruins. Matthews has been out of the lineup since Dec. 20. His nagging injury was aggravated by a cross-check from Dennis Gilbert against the Buffalo Sabres. Before that, he missed about three weeks in November because of this injury. This has bothered him since the preseason when he first picked up the injury.
The Leafs have had to get comfortable not having their captain in the lineup. Matthews was absent for 15 games this season. However, Toronto was able to hold its own and put on great performances without him. The Leafs went 10-5-0 without the centre and currently sit at the top of the Atlantic Division. They’re tied on points with the Florida Panthers, but have a game in hand on them. That makes their game against the Bruins, a long-time rival, crucial to take a lead in the standings.
Matthews is Back
The Leafs picked up many wins during the Matthews-less stretch. However, there were games where the Leafs missed their superstar. They dropped games to the Panthers, Winnipeg Jets, and the Washington Capitals. Those are three strong playoff teams that the Leafs will need to compete with throughout the season and when it comes to the playoffs.
In practice, Matthews took reps with his usual linemates on the first line. The captain is set to take the ice with Mitch Marner on his right and Matthew Knies on his left. This could be a great way to help Knies find his game as he’s been in a slump lately. The youngster has just two goals in his last 16 games. Maybe the captain can snap him out of it. Also, the Maple Leafs worked on their power play in Saturday morning’s skate. Matthews graced the top unit there too.
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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