After much discussion as to whether or not he’d play, Auston Matthews made his return to the lineup. The star center is coming off a concussion and after a 4-2 loss to Columbus; the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking for a rebound win as the head into the break.
Their first encounter early in the season turned into a high scoring affair at the Air Canada Centre. As the scene switched to Madison Square Garden, the high goal scoring didn’t appear to follow. Nonetheless, the drama did as both teams would battle in another close game.
First Period
The New York Rangers controlled the puck for the first half of the period leading to a powerplay opportunity.