Matthews Returns from Injury, Explodes for Hat Trick & Four Points in Leafs' Win

Auston Matthews (lower body) returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup Thursday after missing one game, immediately exploding for a hat trick and an assist in a 6-5 comeback win over the Jets. This marked his 14th career NHL hat trick, with his third goal being the game-winner and placing him one goal shy of Mats Sundin's franchise record. Matthews, who had been in a slump (15G, 12A in 33 games), now has 4 goals, 4 assists, and 19 shots over a personal three-game point streak (interrupted by injury). He centered the top line and played on the first power play unit.