Is Auston Matthews Back?

The question that is on every fan's mind after Auston Matthews had an upper-body injury that had kept him out for 9 consecutive games. After a slow start in his return against Tampa Bay and the Chicago Blackhawks, the question has been answered. The Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner duo showcased their magic last night in their game against the Nashville Predators, with two goals in under two minutes from Auston Mathews in the 3rd period. With such a dominant performance, fans were reminded why Auston Matthews is Captain this season. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs took on the Nashville Predators last night in their hometown. The Nashville Predators were the first to start the scoring for the night with a goal from Jonathan Marchessault at 5:26 in the 1st period. Throughout the first and second periods, the Toronto Maple Leafs struck back with some hard defense and had some pretty good offensive looks, but nothing seemed to find the back of the net. Their luck would change in the 3rd period, where we saw a line change for the leafs. Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews came out on the same line to start the 3rd period. This game-time decision seems to have made a drastic change in their gameplay, with no time wasted at 0:31 seconds into the 3rd period Auston Matthews finally finds the back of the net with an assist from Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly. After a slow start for Matthews on his return from injury, reigniting his connection with Mitch Marner on the ice seems to also have jump-started Matthews’ return. 

With all of the secrecy surrounding Auston’s injury fans were left with a lot of questions and concerns. Matthews made his return on Saturday, November 30th, 2024 against Tampa Bay, he left that game with 2 assists and 2 shots on goal but he did not find the back of the net. This return had some fans worried as to how long it would take for Auston to find his groove again. 

On December 3rd, 2024 the Leafs took on the Chicago Blackhawks and Auston scored his first goal back from injury and left the game with 1 Goal and 3 shots on goal. Fans were not fully convinced that Auston had made a full return, and was back to where he was before injury. With Injuries from last season and this current season from both Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, they have been forced to find a new normal in terms of their playing. Finding a connection and clicking with different players as there have been numerous line changes. Putting Marner and Matthews back on the same line for the 3rd period lead to not only one but two goals from Auston Matthews. In the 2:29 minute of the 3rd period, Auston Matthews showed us that he is officially back by weaving through the predator's defense and avoiding a poke check from their goalie, and giving the Toronto Maple Leafs the lead. This goal was once again assisted by Mitch Marner, this game showcased that the Matthews and Marner magic is alive and well even from their time apart this season.

 Auston was not the only one finding the net last night, William Nylander scored on a power play with an assist from Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner in the 3rd period. The Toronto Maple Leafs won the game 3-2 over the Nashville Predators. With two goals in under two minutes from Auston Matthews it can be said that the captain Auston Matthews is officially back for the regular season.