Matthews has three goals, four assists, and seven points in five games since his return from an upper-body injury.
After an off day on Sunday, the Toronto Maple Leafs returned to practice on Monday following a busy week that saw the club play four games in six days. Going 2-2 over that stretch, one highlight of the week has been the full return of star forward Auston Matthews, who was re-inserted back in the lineup a week ago Saturday in Tampa Bay following a nine-game absence due to an upper-body injury.
Upon his return, the forward has made an immediate impact, registering seven points (three goals, four assists) in five games. The 27-year-old has at least a point in every game since he’s returned except one with three of those games featuring multi-point performances.
Speaking after Monday’s practice in Newark, New Jersey, Matthews reflected on his progress ahead of the Leafs’ matchup against the Devils following the first back-to-back since his layoff.
“Yeah, physically, like I said the other day, I'm feeling better every game. So that's positive. I just want to continue to take those steps and build my game. And obviously, let a couple of games kind of slide. So I want to get back on the winning track,” Matthews said.
Matthews acknowledged that while the initial games back were fueled by adrenaline, the grind of the Leafs’ demanding December schedule has started to take its toll – especially when considering he had a gap between November 3 and November 30 where he did not see any game action.
“I'm getting there,” Matthews explained. “I mean, it's tough. You jump back right into the games. After being out, I think it takes a little bit of time. It seems like the first couple of games you're kind of running on adrenaline just because you've been out and you're so excited to be back.”
“And then, obviously, the wear and tear and the grind of playing a lot kind of comes back. So it takes a little bit of time to really get your full conditioning and everything back. But, like I said, every day, every game, feeling better,” he added.
Following the busy slate, the team took a much-needed rest day on Sunday. Matthews stressed the importance of taking full advantage of these opportunities as the season nears the midway point of December.
“Yeah, it's great. I mean, you want to take advantage of those rest days,” Matthews said. “Time away from the rink to just kind of rest and recharge, especially with the schedule that we have this month. It's been busy. So definitely a nice place to be on a day off.”
Before his injury, Matthews had posted 11 points (5G, 6A) in 13 games. Now, with seven points in five games since his return, he has proved pivotal as the club continues to await more reinforcements on offense.
Including their game against the Devils on Tuesday, the Leafs have another four-game week with yet another back-to-back this weekend in Detroit and against Buffalo. As each game continues to pass, it’s clear that Matthews is treating every contest as another step closer to full strength.
