Leafs captain Auston Matthews has opened up and shared information about his injury, which kept him out of the lineup on Tuesday versus New Jersey.<\/p>\n
Auston Matthews was labelled as a game-time decision on Tuesday before being ruled out against the Devils as the team took to the ice for pre-game warmups. Head coach Craig Berube said he was really close to returning and that was proven true today with the announcement of his return against the Winnipeg Jets.<\/p>\n
Matthews hurt himself blocking a shot against the Detroit Red Wings, and while he returned to finish the game, something felt off. The captain admitted he was worried it could have been more serious than a one-game absence, considering what the injury was.<\/p>\n
“Pretty worrisome. You never know what it could be. Obviously, it kind of caught me in a difficult spot and was pretty swollen for a few days.”<\/p>\n
Fortunately, the swelling subsided and Matthews was able to return to the ice a lot sooner than he’d initially expected. While things didn’t feel great on Tuesday, the symptoms improved yesterday, and he was able to log a solid practice session in anticipation of tonight’s game.<\/p>\n
“I just tried to do what I could to reduce all that stuff and fit my foot in, my speed and kind of get going again. I felt good to skate yesterday. And I feel like every day I’ve made really good progress.”<\/p>\n
The former MVP did admit that he still might not be 100%, adding that the hectic schedule of playing nearly every day makes it hard for injuries to heal properly, but he’s doing his best to manage and understands the importance of being in the lineup.<\/p>\n
“It’s not like we have an abundance of days to kind of let things settle. We’re playing every day. So just kind of those things, how to manage and push forward.”<\/p>\n
Matthews will be hoping that the new year bodes well for both player and team as the Leafs struggled mightily In the first 2 months of the season. They’ve improved to a 7-4-3 record in the month of December, but have their work cut out for them if they want to make inroads in the standings.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old registered 4 points over his last 2 games prior to the injury, so look for him to try to replicate that level of success, as he aims for a much more productive second half after registering just 15 goals and 27 points in 33 games.<\/p>\n
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
3 HOURS AGO\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0\u00a090 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Leafs captain Auston Matthews reveals new details of his injury<\/p>\n
Will Auston Matthews finish the season at a point per game or better?<\/p>\n
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