Leafs' Matthews looks to shake off "long week" in return to lineup

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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The Maple Leafs practiced at Ford Performance Centre on Friday ahead of their game on Saturday night in Nashville.

Auston Matthews has been a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy the last two years. The Leafs centre has only been whistled for 33 minor penalties in 390 NHL games despite facing tough match-ups and playing big minutes. And, before this week, Matthews had never received supplemental discipline. So, in his first media availability since receiving a two-game suspension for a cross-check to the neck of Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin, Matthews did not hide his displeasure.

"I was a little bit disappointed," the 24-year-old said. "A bit more than I was expecting. I recognize, as a player, I have to be in control of my stick. Obviously, my intent was never to catch Dahlin up high, but I did. I made a mistake and I recognize I deserve some sort of punishment. I just thought that two games was a lot."

Matthews had a phone hearing with the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety on Monday and learned his fate a few hours later.

"That was my first time ever experiencing one of those things and I don't really know what else to say about the whole experience," Matthews said. "There's always going to be two opinions or multiple opinions. I saw it a certain way and, obviously, they saw it a different way. It is what it is. I'm happy to be back. It's been a long week, but I'm excited to be playing tomorrow."

Matthews has only drawn eight penalties this season despite leading the league in goals, but insists that's not a source of frustration.

"I'm pretty composed in general so that stuff doesn't really bother me," Matthews said. "I know my job is to go out there and play hockey