""It was worrisome, you never know what it could be," Matthews said, following Thursday's morning skate. "It kind of caught me in a difficult spot, and it was pretty swollen for a few days. So I just tried to do what I could to reduce all that stuff, put my foot in my skate and get going again.""
""I think most of the shots I'm blocking are sifters," Matthews said. "They're not super hard shots coming from the point that you get in the way of because you're playing centre and playing in the middle of the ice. Sometimes, you have to lay your body on the line, that's something that's part of the game.""
""It's huge. He's our captain. Really like the way he's been playing lately. Driving the play and getting good opportunities and just playing with a lot of pace and determination. Great to have him back tonight," Berube said of Matthews."
Auston Matthews returned to the lineup after dealing with a swollen foot that sidelined him for several days. Matthews has 52 blocked shots, ranking third among NHL forwards, and said many of those are sifters and require laying his body on the line. Coach Craig Berube praised Matthews as captain, noting his recent pace, determination and ability to drive play. William Nylander participated in an individual session and was listed as doubtful to practice Friday. Joseph Woll will start to take advantage of a schedule break. A projected lineup versus the Jets was provided.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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