"Boston will try to kill him" "Downfall starts": NHL fans react as Maple Leafs' captain Auston Matthews finally returns to ice against Bruins

Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, confirmed he will return to the lineup against the Boston Bruins on Saturday. Matthews had been out for six games because of an upper-body injury. He said after Saturday's practice:

"The last couple skates I've had have felt good."

Auston Matthews will play center between Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner, and he will also join the first power-play unit. So far this season, he has 11 goals and 23 points in 24 games.

NHL insider Chris Johnston shared the news on X, and fans quickly responded.

"Leafs downfall starts now." One fan commented.

"Guaranteed Boston will try to kill him nice." Another fan said.

"He needs to sit. He is only playing because 4 nations is being questioned IMO." A fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Let’s hope the boys are ready to keep Marchand and McAvoy away, they’re licking their chops at a chance to cross check the middle of his back tonight," one fan said.

"So what are we thinking, third shift of the second period someone takes a cheap shot and he’s out another month? 😔," another fan said.

"Hopefully, he is 100% healthy and not rushing him back. Like the last time," one fan mentioned.

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Auston Matthews is focused on staying in good shape

Auston Matthews missed six games due to an upper-body injury that he re-aggravated on December 20. He also missed nine games in November for the same issue.

Matthews practiced on Thursday and traveled with the team for their win against the New York Islanders. He had skated in a non-contact jersey earlier in the week, but now he is ready to play.

"A couple different things but I'd say that definitely (the hits) did not help the cause," Matthews said per NHL.com, "Rest is helping. I'm not somebody who likes to stay still for long, so I'm just trying to do what I can maybe without overexerting certain things. Just trying to stay in as good shape as you can when you can't skate."

Auston Matthews previously missed time this season and went to Germany for treatment. While he hopes to fully recover, he knows that contact in games could cause setbacks.

Matthews' return gives the Leafs a boost as they face the Bruins. However, fans are concerned about whether he is fully healthy enough to return.