Is Auston Matthews playing tonight? Maple Leafs’ captain return to NHL action in doubt after Olympics
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Is Auston Matthews playing tonight? Maple Leafs’ captain return to NHL action in doubt after Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Maple Leafs make their return to NHL game action from the Olympic break on Wednesday night in Tampa Bay against the Lightning.
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They've got some uncertainty surrounding captain Auston Matthews, though, after his gold medal with Team USA on Sunday.
Matthews has traveled with his teammates back from Milan, Italy, to a big celebratory party in Miami on Monday night, then to the State of the Union in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.
That leaves Matthews' status in doubt for Wednesday night.
The Maple Leafs enter this post-break stretch on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. They want to get hot and make a run.
If the Leafs don't get going in a hurry, they'll likely have to be sellers before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
Whether or not Matthews plays could be a big factor in what comes next for Toronto and many of its players.
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Is Auston Matthews playing tonight?
It remains to be determined whether Matthews plays on Wednesday night, as of Wednesday morning.
Reports have indicated Matthews is rejoining the Maple Leafs in Tampa Bay on Wednesday, so he'll be at the game.
It's just not clear whether the Leafs will rush him right back out onto the ice.
It'll likely become more clear after morning skate and any potential media availabilities before the game.
The Maple Leafs will likely have to trust Matthews a little bit to let them know how he's feeling and if he's ready to go.
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