As captain, Matthews hopes to emulate Thornton's leadership qualities, led by his focus on inclusivity and bringing everyone together.

Red-hot Matthew Knies scored the winner, deflecting a third-period shot by Morgan Rielly, and the Leafs won their fifth in a row — their longest streak of the season — to move within one point of the first-place Vegas Golden Knights (57 points) in the overall standings.

Auston Matthews will officially be back in action for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night against the Boston Bruins. After missing six games to an undisclosed injury, the former Hart Trophy winner will slide back into the Leafs' lineup that's looking to take sole ownership of first place in the Atlantic Division.