After missing nearly all of November with an upper-body injury, Auston Matthews seems to be getting back in the groove.
On Wednesday night against the Nashville Predators, the Toronto Maple Leafs center scored a goal at the beginning of the third period off an assist from right winger Mitch Marner.
Nearly two minutes later, Matthews netted another goal after racing past Predators center Gustav Nyquist, giving the Maple Leafs a 2-1 lead.
Matthews’ two goals proved pivotal as Toronto beat Nashville 3-2, extending its three-game win streak and improving to 16-7-2.
Before Wednesday’s matchup, Matthews had only played in two games since returning from his injury, scoring just one goal and recording two assists.
After the Maple Leafs beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Monday, head coach Craig Berube insisted it was just a matter of time before Matthews would rebound.
“He’s not up to speed yet for sure, and we all know that,” Berube told the media. “It’s going to take time — practice time, which is going to be difficult with the schedule — but he is working at it. He will get there. I have no worries about it.”
Matthews’ big night could signal he’s feeling healthier, which bodes well for Toronto. In 2023, the 27-year-old made his second All-Star Game and won his third Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy after netting 69 goals in 81 games.
