Leafs lineup news: Matthews plays against Jets, Woll starts, Nylander doubts about practice Friday

“It was concerning, you never know what it could be,” Matthews said after Thursday morning’s skate. “I hit a rough patch and it was pretty swollen for a few days. So I just tried to do what I could to reduce all that hassle, put my foot in my skate and get back going.”

Matthews’ 52 blocked shots rank third among forwards in the NHL this season.

“I think the most shots I block is seven,” Matthews said. “They’re not super hard shots that come from the point where you’re in the way, because you’re playing center and you’re playing in the middle of the ice. Sometimes you have to put your body on the line, that’s part of the game.”

“It’s huge. He’s our captain. I really like the way he’s been playing lately. Controlling the game and getting good chances and just playing with a lot of speed and determination. Great to have him back tonight,” Berube said of Matthews.

“Just getting more pucks to the middle of the ice and attacking. Taking people 1-on-1 and winning all those battles and stuff, and just his attacking mentality around the net. It seems like he’s ripping the puck a little bit, with a little more ‘oomph’ on the shot.”

William Nylander participated in an individual session prior to the Leafs’ morning skate, but did not participate in the formal session. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube listed Nylander as questionable to practice Friday.

Joseph Woll starts Thursday. Berube indicated that he is benefiting from a break in the schedule and believes Woll can be used more often now that he is back in form.

The expected lineup of Maple Leafs vs. Jets

Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Max Domi

Matias Maccelli-John Tavares-Bobby McMann

Easton Cowan-Nicolas Roy-Nick Robertson

Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Calle Jarnkrok

Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers

Jake McCabe-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher

Joseph Woll (confirmed starter)

Dennis Hildeby

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