More waiting time for Matthews
Won’t see play against Dallas Wednesday
Auston Matthews’ waiting game continues.
The Toronto Maple Leafs centre, recovering from a separated right shoulder, again was wearing a red sweater at practice on Tuesday.
For the first time since suffering the injury on Feb. 22 against the New York Islanders, Matthews was made available to media.
“Feeling fine,” Matthews said. “Getting better, felt better every day. It’s nice to get on the ice with the guys and take reps instead of skating by yourself.”
Matthews said there is no timeline on his return to the lineup. He has missed the past six games and will not play on Wednesday night when the Leafs play host to the Dallas Stars at the Air Canada Centre.
Matthews scoffed at the idea his injury is “a blessing in disguise” given he will have had more rest before the playoffs.
“I don’t really buy into that notion,” Matthews said. “I would rather play.”
While Matthews will watch again on Wednesday, f or ward Andreas Johnsson will make his National Hockey League debut on the Leafs’ fourth line, playing the left wing with centre Tomas Plekanec and Kasperi Kapanen.
Johnsson was recalled from the Toronto Marlies, along with defenceman Calle Rosen, who was summoned on an emergency basis as Travis Dermott was absent because of illness.
Here are 5 Things to watch for when the Leafs ( 40- 22- 7, 3 rd in Atlantic) host the Stars ( 38-25- 6, 4th in Central): 1 The Maple Leafs have been anxious to play for what will be just their second game in nine nights. There will be no reason for the Leafs to not have a quick start, as their enthusiasm should win out over the Stars’ fatigue, as Dallas arrived late after playing in Montreal on Tuesday. 2 The Stars have had a defensive turnaround in coach Ken Hitchcock’s second tenure with the club, and were fourth in goals-against after they were 29th last season. “Hitch is a serial winner,” Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. “They are playing well without the puck and they make 3 it hard on you.” How will call-up Johnsson do in his call-up? His tenacity and determination to go where others might not served him well in the AHL. His speed has put him above others. 4 Nazem Kadri scored two goals for the Leafs in the clubs’ only other meeting in 2017-18, a 4-1 Toronto win on Jan. 25. Little wonder. Kadri’s best production against a Western Conference foe has been against Dallas, as he has 14 points in 10 career games. Kadri has three goals in his past three games and is four shy 5 of 30. Time was you couldn’t mention Tyler Seguin’s name without thinking of what could have been, given Boston chose him with Toronto’s 2010 first-round pick (No. 2 overall), acquired from Toronto in the Phil Kessel trade. Seguin never let Leafs fans forget, scoring 10 evenstrength goals against Toronto, the most he has against one NHL team.