Auston Matthews (34), centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs, handles the puck during an NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Auston Matthews, the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to return for Game 5 of their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators. Although Matthews skipped practice on Monday to rest, he participated in Tuesday's optional morning skate and is ready to play. Matthews, who has been dealing with an upper-body injury, understands the importance of rest, especially after playing over 26 minutes in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss that allowed Ottawa to stay alive in the series.
“Sometimes you just need a little extra rest,” Matthews explained. After a day off following the team’s rest day, Matthews was back on the ice, eager to help his team close out the series at home. He had a chance to finish the game in overtime on Saturday but hit the post during a four-minute power play, giving Ottawa a chance to tie the series 3-1. Instead, Jake Sanderson scored for the Senators, pushing the series to Game 5.
Toronto head coach Craig Berube, in his first season with the Leafs, mentioned that Matthews looked “rested” after his day off. He added that the star player has learned how to manage his body to stay at the top of his game, noting that Matthews takes care of himself in a way similar to fellow Leafs captain John Tavares. Berube emphasized that Matthews is now skilled at knowing what he needs to keep performing at his best.
Matthews has been a key contributor for Toronto this season, recording 33 goals and 45 assists, totaling 78 points in 67 games, despite missing some time due to his injury. The Scottsdale, Arizona native even traveled to Germany in November for treatment. However, Matthews declined to comment on how fully recovered he is, stating that at this stage of the season, all players are dealing with some form of physical challenge.
Teammate Max Pacioretty, who is in his first season with the Maple Leafs, expressed admiration for Matthews' work ethic, noting how Matthews pushes himself both on and off the ice. Pacioretty stressed that Matthews' success is not just due to talent but also his dedication and commitment to his recovery and performance.
As the Leafs prepare for Game 5, Matthews and his teammates know they have a tough challenge ahead. Toronto has only one playoff series victory in the salary cap era, and they last eliminated an opponent on home ice in 2004. Matthews is aware that closing out a series is never easy, stating, “The fourth one’s the hardest to win,” but he is determined to help his team advance. His focus remains on playing desperate hockey and taking the necessary steps to ensure the series doesn’t extend further.
