Auston Matthews scores on his return

DAY

In his first game since Jan. 25, Auston Matthews scored two points in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena.&nbsp ;

The American sniper, who was on the floor due to a knee injury, had to miss the last five duels of his team. He made sure to mark his return to the game in style by threading the needle in the first period. 

As the Leafs buzzed into enemy territory, William Nylander spotted Matthews in the crease . The two-time Maurice-Richard Trophy winner slotted the puck into the top corner with lightning speed to make it 3-1.

Also making himself an accomplice of Conor Timmins at the end of the second period, Matthews increased his harvest to 26 goals and 55 points in 48 games this season.

This duel, quite unequal on paper, especially more than the “Hawks” were playing a second game in 24 hours, got off to a flying start. Nylander first took advantage of an excellent delivery from Morgan Rielly to open the scoring after nine short seconds of play.

Luke Richardson's men only needed a minute to respond. After playing a trick on Calle Jarnkrok at the hosts' blue line, Sam Lafferty tied the game with a backhand shot.

The Leafs, who led no less than 18 shots on Petr Mrazek's cage in the first twenty only, still retreated to the locker room with a two-goal priority. Before the success of Matthews, Rasmus Sandin saw his pass deflect on the skate of Connor Murphy before shaking the ropes of the “Hawks”.

The Illinois team still showed an astonishing fighting spirit. Just after the first intermission, Max Domi was patient entering the territory before setting the table to launch it on reception from Philipp Kurashev. The Swiss striker scored his eighth goal of the campaign on the streak.

Mrazek, however, did not help his team to recover. The Czech goalkeeper gave his former team a gift by letting John Tavares shine the red light after a hazardous outing behind his net.

The Maple Leafs, who will also host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, have won six of their last 10 meetings.

After consecutive losses against the Winnipeg Jets, the CH and the Leafs, the Blackhawks will try to end their Canadian journey in style against the Senators Ottawa on Friday.

-In addition, veteran Wayne Simmonds, waived by the Leafs on Tuesday, has not been claimed by another formation of the Bettman circuit.