The Toronto Maple Leafs are welcoming back their captain, Auston Matthews, for their upcoming game against the Boston Bruins. Matthews has been sidelined since December 20th due to an injury that worsened after a cross-check from Dennis Gilbert during a game against the Buffalo Sabres. Prior to that, he had missed about three weeks in November with the same issue, which dates back to the preseason.
In Matthews’ absence, the Leafs have had to adapt, with the team managing to perform well without their star player. Over the 15 games he missed, Toronto posted a 10-5-0 record and currently leads the Atlantic Division. They’re tied with the Florida Panthers in points but have a game in hand, making the match against the Bruins important for gaining a lead in the standings.
While the Leafs managed to rack up wins without Matthews, there were a few key losses to playoff contenders like the Panthers, Winnipeg Jets, and Washington Capitals. These are teams the Leafs will need to compete with in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Matthews is expected to skate alongside his regular linemates, Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies, on the first line. This could provide a boost to Knies, who has struggled recently with just two goals in his last 16 games. The captain might help get him back on track. Additionally, Matthews participated in power-play drills during Saturday morning’s skate and will join the top unit there as well.
