Auston Matthews and Maple Leafs are finally back after brutal first half

"Since the holiday break, the Leafs captain has recorded seven goals and four assists for 11 points in his last five games, which included his first hat trick in almost two years in a game against the Winnipeg Jets on New Years Day. More importantly, Matthews has been on a shooting binge once again, dishing out a whopping 29 shots on goal during that same five-game stretch."

"At the same time, the Maple Leafs appeared to have resurrected their season in the past couple of weeks. Toronto has registered points in the NHL standings in seven consecutive games by posting a 5-0-2 record over that stretch, while outscoring the opposition 32-21 in the process. More significantly, they have added some life back in their power play while maintaining a top-notch penalty kill to make their special teams one of their strengths once again."

Auston Matthews captured NHL Three Stars of the Week honors and became the Maple Leafs' all-time franchise leader in goals. Since the holiday break, Matthews recorded seven goals and four assists for 11 points in five games, including a hat trick against the Winnipeg Jets and 29 shots on goal during that stretch. The Maple Leafs posted a 5-0-2 run over seven games, outscoring opponents 32-21, while improving the power play and maintaining a strong penalty kill. Toronto holds a 20-15-7 record with 47 points, sitting sixth in the Atlantic Division and eight points behind the division leader.

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