"Auston Matthews Shines in Return: Toronto Maple Leafs Top Chicago Blackhawks 4-1"

Monday, December 2nd, 2024

Auston Matthews made a successful return from injury by scoring his first goal, contributing to the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night. In addition to Matthews, goals were also scored by John Tavares, Fraser Minten, and Matthew Knies, with Anthony Stolarz making 27 saves for the Leafs.

For the Blackhawks, Lukas Reichel scored their only goal as the team endured its third consecutive loss. Goaltender Arvid Soderblom managed to stop 18 shots.

Matthews, who had missed nine games due to an upper-body injury, initiated the scoring with a goal in the first period. Tavares extended the Leafs' lead in the second, but Reichel closed the gap to 2-1 early in the third period. However, Minten quickly reestablished a two-goal advantage just 21 seconds later.

On the injury front, Leafs' Jake McCabe was absent after sustaining a head injury from a puck on Saturday. Other injured players include Max Pacioretty, Max Domi, Bobby McMann, David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, and Jani Hakanpaa.

On the Blackhawks' side, Connor Bedard, who was the top pick in the 2023 draft, began the game having scored in two of his last three matches.

A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Matthews successfully scored through Soderblom's legs, assisted by William Nylander, marking an essential goal for Toronto.

The Leafs excelled defensively in November, conceding the fewest goals in the month with just 27, of which only 15 were allowed during even strength play.

Looking ahead, the Blackhawks are set to face the Bruins at home on Wednesday, while the Maple Leafs will welcome the Predators on

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Chicago Blackhawks Game Stats

Related Links

• Toronto Maple Leafs News & Updates
• Toronto Maple Leafs Schedule & Scores
• Chicago Blackhawks News & Updates
• Chicago Blackhawks Schedule & Scores
• NHL News