Auston Matthews Reveals the Exact Moment He Knew It Was Time to Return to the Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews makes his triumphant return to the ice against the Bruins on Saturday night, and commented on how he knew he was ready to be back.
Although he already missed a good chunk of the season earlier on due to a lower-body injury, the Leafs captain landed himself on the IR once again as speculation ran rampant.
With news of his return to the ice after missing six games due to his injury flaring up, fans are excited about the potential of a healthy Matthews adding to the already dangerous group of players.
Matthews seems to be thrilled as well, and clearly fought hard to get healthy and be back to game form. Speaking to media ahead of their game against the Boston Bruins, the captain was elated to get back to business:
It's a huge step forward for a Maple Leafs team who needs to make a statement especially in another tough month ahead of them.
Auston Matthew Returns Just In Time
If it wasn't obvious before, the return of Auston Matthews comes right when the team needs him most. Faced with a tough January schedule as well as a back-to back this weekend, Toronto needs to make a statement.
Coming off a strong 2-1 win over the Islanders on Thursday, it's going to be tough against the Bruins; a team that notoriously has the Leafs' number throughout the last several years.
But Matthews coming in can only be a positive as Toronto tries to keep the distance with their heated rivals. Boston is only six points off of first in the Atlantic, and the Leafs need to keep their momentum strong especially with a transformed Bruins squad.
Although it's a big return, Toronto needs him to produce. With only 11 goals and 12 assists this season, it's been unbecoming of Matthews, and he himself needs to make a statement to prove to not only himself, but fans that he's healthy and ready to get back to work.
There are also questions surrounding whether or not the team should withhold their leader from playing in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off after he was chosen to represent the United States.
Toronto can't risk losing him again especially to a frivolous tournament and if he gets hurt and can't perform in the playoffs or misses altogether, it's a huge black mark on both Matthews' and the Leafs' season.
