Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews publicly addressed his team's obvious slump following the team's 3rd consecutive loss. The Toronto Maple Leafs are now on their longest losing streak of the season after falling 4-1 at home to the Dallas Stars.
Auston Matthews will officially be back in action for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night against the Boston Bruins. After missing six games to an undisclosed injury, the former Hart Trophy winner will slide back into the Leafs' lineup that's looking to take sole ownership of first place in the Atlantic Division.
Matthews has nine points (four goals, five assists) in his last six games since he returned from injury. That increases his season total to 15 goals, 17 assists and 116 shots in 30 games. And you can expect Matthews' goal scoring to increase given his somewhat flat 12.
TORONTO -- Auston Matthews is on track to play for the United States when the 4 Nations Face-off begins on Feb. 12 despite dealing with an upper-body injury that has bothered him since training camp.
Every team in the NHL would love to have just one of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, or William Nylander. The Toronto Maple Leafs have the luxury of all three stars.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving believes Auston Matthews will be more than ready for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off after returning to the lineup in January.
"We're down. You know, just moving guys around," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of the switch after the game. "They went out and scored right away, and then I just trying to get some goals back as quickly as possible."
Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz will not play in Thursday's game against the visiting Montreal Canadiens due to an upper-body injury.
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is No. 9 on the Top 100 People of Power & Influence in hockey list.
The Montreal Canadiens return home following a successful two-game road trip to face their historic rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on Saturday night. The Canadiens enter Saturday's contest with points in six straight games (5-0-1) after defeating the Dallas Stars 3-1 on Thursday.
After an OT win against New Jersey snapped a three-game losing streak, Justin Bourne shares his thoughts on three players the Maple Leafs will be counting on most for the team to have long-term success this season.