Auston Matthews provides crucial health update

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews hasn't exactly been himself this season, falling well short of another campaign worthy of being awarded the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal scorer for the third straight year. He's also been hampered by injuries that have caused him to miss several games.

So, how is he feeling as the regular season schedule begins to wind down to a close? The good news for Leafs fans is that he's getting back to feeling like his old self. He also revealed that his ailment was an injury to his hand.

“I think my hand and everything has been feeling a lot better, just stronger,” Matthews said. “So yeah, I’d have to agree with you there. Just shooting it a little bit more fluidly I’d say.”

“It was bothering me,” Matthews continued. “It just felt like something was off. I just felt like not completely, like I wasn’t able to do exactly what I wanted to at times.”

Matthews, who underwent wrist surgery before last season, had this to say about his shooting during

“Just maybe not as strong honestly, and (it) just didn’t feel as fluid. I think sometimes it can be like a number of different things, whether it’s footwork or stuff like that.

“Now it’s feeling a lot better.”

He's had a strong offensive campaign by just about any other player's standards, having tallied 31 goals with 36 assists in 51 games played. Right now, he's on pace to light the lamp at least eight more times and finish with a total of 83 points.

He and the rest of his Maple Leafs teammates are back in action tonight when they host the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto. Game time is set for just after 7:00 PM EST.

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