A whirlwind two days that comprised international glory and an appearance in high profile in Washington, D. C. has seen Auston Matthews back with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His NHL club welcomed the star center back on Tuesday, and he is projected to play in the NHL game today against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Matthews was celebrating an Olympic gold medal race in Team USA when he was in a White House gathering with U.S. President Donald Trump. Though the turnaround is minimal, everything indicates that the Leafs captain is prepared to play a crucial game in the Atlantic Division as the Toronto team struggles to remain in playoff contention.
Auston Matthews returns before Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning game
The return of Matthews is a crucial time of NHL season. Toronto is fighting over the position in the Eastern Conference rating, and all matches in the NHL today have postseason connotations. His presence gives an instant lift to the Leafs’ offensive prospects in this NHL previewed match.
Head coach Craig Berube mentioned that Matthews would be available, as he would assess the center after he reunited with him in Tampa. Although the travelling and the partying may cast doubt on tiredness, Matthews has proved tough in high-pressure situations.
Matthews has provided elite production, starring Toronto’s first line and power play, in 51 games this season.
His scoring creation and capacity to control the defensive focus will be important in a disciplined Lightning team.
In the meantime, longtime forward John Tavares also missed the practice because of illness, but is trending towards becoming available. When Tavares comes back together with Matthews, the forward depth of Toronto will appear much more secure entering the competition.
The Leafs know about the urgency, as one of the recent changes made by the NHL. Having several teams jammed together in the rankings, a victory over Tampa Bay could change the tide. The fact that Matthews came back is not only an addition to the lineup but also a leadership that Toronto most needs.
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