Auston Matthews and William Nylander Return to Leafs’ Lineup Sunday
The NHL’s leading goal scorer will be back in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup Sunday night when they take on the Vancouver Canucks. Auston Matthews missed one game with a hand injury, and he will be joined by William Nylander, who is returning to action after a five-game absence related to COVID-19 protocols, reports Mark Masters. It’s also worth noting that this will be the Canucks’ first game since March 24, as they resolved a COVID-19 outbreak within their organization.
Matthews is a critical part of the Leafs’ lineup. He ranks second in Corsi rating and third in expected goals-for percentage, despite ranking 16th in offensive zone starts. John Taveras skated with Alex Galchenyuk and Mitch Marner on the top against the Winnipeg Jets with Matthews out. Still, Taveras should move back to the second line, where he will be reunited with William Nylander.
Nylander had four points in his last two games and will be expected to pick up where he left off; Nylander gets 68.3% of his starts in the offensive zone and ranks right behind Matthews in expected goals-for percentage.
The betting market at FanDuel Sportsbook strongly fades the Canucks, who have been out of game action for nearly a month, and has the Leafs installed as steep -390 favorites.