Matthews scores in return as Leafs dismantle Blackhawks

The Toronto Maple Leafs dominated the Chicago Blackhawks in a 5-2 victory on Wednesday as Auston Matthews made his return to the lineup.

Matthews had missed the previous five contests with a sprained knee he sustained on Jan. 25.

The reigning Hart Trophy winner wasted no time finding the back of the net, wiring home a cross-ice feed from William Nylander mid-way through the first period.

He's back. pic.twitter.com/1fZ7c9PjyM

- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 16, 2023

It was a two-point comeback for Matthews, as he added an assist on a Conor Timmins goal in the second period.

Nylander had opened the scoring nine seconds into the game, only to be answered by Chicago's Sam Lafferty less than a minute later.

The Maple Leafs took a lead they would never surrender when Rasmus Sandin's shot was deflected past Petr Mrazek by Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy at 8:14 of the first.

Coming off of a shutout on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ilya Samsonov made 27 saves in the win.

Toronto moves two points clear of the Tampa Bay Lightning for second in the Atlantic Division with the victory.

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