Matthews returns vs. Panthers after 3-game absence

Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews got back into the lineup Saturday night against the Florida Panthers.

Matthews missed Toronto's previous three games due to the undisclosed injury he sustained last Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.

"I’m excited to get back in," Matthews told The Leafs Nation's David Alter before the contest.

Matthews has authored an MVP-caliber season in 2021-22 with 58 goals and 102 points in 70 contests. He came into Saturday with four games remaining as he seeks to become the first 60-goal scorer since Steven Stamkos in 2011-12.

The Maple Leafs sat second in the Atlantic Division with 108 points - six clear of the Tampa Bay Lightning - before facing the Panthers.