Toronto Star ePaper

Matthews makes solid return

But missed chance in overtime haunts in season debut: ‘I’d like to have that one back’

MARK ZWOLINSKI SPORTS REPORTER

Auston Matthews proved once again why he is one of the most dangerous and dynamic players in the NHL when he returned to the Maple Leafs lineup Monday night.

In his first game of the season after recovering from Aug. 13 wrist surgery, Matthews was a factor in the offensive zone all game long and helped the Leafs earn a point against the New York Rangers, who wound up 2-1 winners in overtime at Scotiabank Arena.

Matthews registered eight shots on goal and 16 shot attempts, including two terrific chances in the extra period. The reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goal scorer dropped back seamlessly into his role as the team’s top player.

Rangers 2

Maple Leafs 1

OVERTIME

He had two glorious scoring chances in overtime, one on a rebound, but failed to convert.

“My eyes definitely lit up on that rebound … yeah, I’d like to have that one back,” Matthews said after his first game in 10 months.

After Artemi Panarin beat Jack Campbell from the right faceoff circle for the winner, Matthews hung over the edge of the boards in frustration.

The Leafs’ top-line centre passed all the other tests. His elite shot, skating, puck-handling and two-way play were all in evidence. He also contributed on the power play, which has been a focal point for the club after a disastrous final two months with the man advantage last season. Matthews’s first two shots came on a firstperiod power play, and the Leafs controlled the puck well in three opportunities over the first two periods.

“I felt fine,” said Matthews, who played over 23 minutes. “I think the adrenalin the first 10 minutes kept me in it.

“It’s the first game in 10 months so I sensed some fatigue, and kind of just pushed through it. I was playing with great players, Mitchy (Marner) and (Nick) Ritchie, and we got some good looks, created some chances, but there’s things we can work on.”

Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin was the difference. The Leafs didn’t beat him until the second period, when Michael Bunting crashed the net and shoved a Morgan Rielly shot the rest of the way to tie the game 1-1 — after New York’s Mika Zibanejad had opened the scoring in the first period.

It was Bunting’s second goal of the season, and 13th in 30 career NHL games. Former Leafs winger Darcy Tucker — who played a similar net-crashing, fearless game — has tweeted his support for Bunting.

“If I’m able to resemble anything like Darcy … I mean, he got the greasy goals and wasn’t afraid of anyone,” the Scarborough-born Bunting said. “If I can play like that and get the secondary scoring, that would be great.”

With Matthews back, the Leafs controlled the puck the way they did the past three seasons. By the end of the second period, they had an advantage of more than three minutes in possession.

In the end, Matthews had to feel good about his return performance despite failing to hit the scoresheet. Toronto outshot New York 40-21 — 17-2 in the second period — and Matthews was in good scoring position for all eight of his shots on goal.

As for his 23-minute-plus workload, Matthews said coach Sheldon Keefe told him prior to the game that he’d be used just like last season right off the bat. No complaints from the star centre.

“I was competing, and the cherry on top was having the fans back in the stands,” he said. “I had a blast and I will definitely sleep well.”

His next goal will be his 200th as a Leaf and tie Charlie Conacher for 13th on the franchise list. Syl Apps is 12th with 201.

Matthews had only one goal in his first four games a year ago before leading the league with 41 in 52 games.

John Tavares assisted on Bunting’s goal for his 200th point as a Leaf.

Keefe looked for positives when it came to Marner and Ritchie after the top line’s first night together with Matthews. Marner has one assist through four games, while Ritchie has no points.

“I like a lot about (Marner’s) game,” Keefe said. “(The puck) hasn’t gone over the line for him, but you look at a lot of (Matthews’s) chances, and they’re all generated by Mitch. There’s lots of positive happening there.”

SPORTS

en-ca

2021-10-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://torontostar.pressreader.com/article/281861531699071

Toronto Star Newspapers Limited