Toronto Maple Leafs:The return of elite center Auston Matthews was enough for the Maple Leafs to retake the No. 1 spot in NHL.com's rankings. Matthews had three points (two goals, one assist) and five shots on goal in 14:56 against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday playing on a line with Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson. Forward William Nylander's future still remains uncertain entering Friday, but the Maple Leafs could have even higher fantasy upside if he signs. Defenseman Jake Gardiner has been held without a point in six straight games but, with Matthews back in the lineup, should be considered a buy-low trade candidate. UPDATE: Nylander signed a six-year contract with Toronto on Saturday.
Pittsburgh Penguins:Center Sidney Crosby has nine points (five goals, four assists) in five games after returning from an upper-body injury Nov. 21. Crosby's presence has had a positive impact on forward Jake Guentzel, who has seven points (four goals, three assists) over the same span. Defenseman Kris Letang has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in his past eight games. Right wing Patric Hornqvist (concussion) practiced Friday for the first time since sustaining the injury Nov. 23. When Hornqvist returns to the lineup, the Penguins will likely rejoin the top 10. Goalie Casey DeSmith is 3-0-0 with a .929 save percentage in his past three games against the potent offenses of the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets.
