Matthews returns after blocking shot vs. Canucks
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Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews wasn't on the bench to start the second period Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks after blocking a shot late in the opening frame, but he was able to return to the ice minutes later.
Matthews appeared to catch defenseman Noah Juulsen's shot on the side of his knee. He was slow to get up and made his way to the room.
Matthews takes a shot off the side of the leg pic.twitter.com/cZYOle0GHf
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 5, 2023
Heading into Saturday's contest, Matthews led all NHL forwards with 76 blocks in 55 games.
It doesn't look like the 25-year-old will be able to capture back-to-back 60-goal seasons, but Matthews has still been key to Toronto's success this campaign with 28 tallies and 61 points.
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