Auston Matthews Breaks Silence on his Play After Returning From Injury

This season hasn't been the one that Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews expected. Off to a slow start, he's been beset by two separate stints on the injured reserve, many questions came about if he may be put on the shelf long term.

What's great though is that since his return he has been lights out. Since returning for the second time, Matthews has been much of the force he was last season albeit with a bit of a playmaking edge. He has two goals and five assists over his last three games, and showing no signs of pain or discomfort.

Matthews is feeling good about himself too as he recently opened up about his performance and if he feels confident enough he'll stay healthy.

If there was ever a feeling of relief, Leafs fans should be experiencing that right about now. Not only is Matthews confident that with each game he gets healthier, but he's looked the part too. His speed is back, he's digging in the trenches and not worse for wear, and he's back on the scoresheet.

His credit to linemates Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies should not be understated. Against Boston the trio combined for 13 points, with Knies completing his first career hat-trick. He's also contributed heavily having the captain at his side.

This season Matthews only had 11 goals and 12 assists before making his return the second time, but pushed his totals to 13 goals and 17 assists in 27 games.

If Matthews can start finding the back of the net more, the Maple Leafs will have no issues getting back into the playoffs, and having already cemented themselves atop the Atlantic, if they can keep Florida at bay; they could be serious contenders.

With a new contingent on defense, and fingers crossed; a healthy Anthony Stolarz, there's a very good chance the team has their most successful playoff run of the Matthews era.