Matthews last suited up for the club on November 3 against the Minnesota Wild.

The Toronto Maple Leafs earned their fourth straight win on Sunday, edging the Utah Hockey Club in their lone trip to Toronto, 3-2. Impressively, the Leafs extended their impressive run without star forward Auston Matthews, improving to 7-1-0 since the 27-year-old last played on November 3 against the Minnesota Wild.

Mitch Marner once again carried the offensive load, notching two goals for his fourth consecutive multi-point game. His stellar stretch includes two points in each of his last four games against the Washington Capitals, Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and now Utah. His ability to elevate his game in Matthews' absence has been pivotal down the stretch, and his teammates and head coach were quick to praise his contributions following Sunday’s win.

John Tavares, who assisted on one of Marner’s goals, highlighted the winger’s outstanding play as a standard that he’s become accustomed to at the NHL level – saying the Leafs are “lucky to have him.”

“I think it's just kind of standard,” said Tavares post-game. “The level that he brings year in and year out and what he brings to our club and what he means to this team. He's an elite player, makes plays, does so many good things without it, and plays in all situations. (He) brings an element to our locker room that is unique. We're really lucky to have him.”

Head coach Craig Berube expressed similar sentiments, mentioning that his recent offensive outburst is, in his words, business as usual. Without Matthews, the winger has embraced a bigger role offensively – even mentioning his increase in shot-taking.

On Sunday, the 27-year-old was rewarded with two goals, including a bank shot off Utah goaltender Karel Vejmelka. Marner now has eight goals, 20 assists, and 28 points through 21 games. 

“I think it's business as usual,” said Berube. “I think even early on in the year he was playing really good hockey for us in all situations, not just scoring and everything. I find he's shooting a little bit more, which is great. I think he can still shoot more. But he's doing a real good job for us.”

Confidence Amid Matthews’ Absence

Despite losing their franchise centerpiece on November 3 due to an upper-body injury, the Leafs have instead thrived, thanks to a long list of depth players stepping up in his place. Marner attributed the team’s success to belief in their roster and the organizational depth, not just the Leafs, which has provided reinforcements when needed.

“We have a lot of great players, regardless if it's on our team or in the Marlies organization,” Marner explained. “So a lot of guys down there that can definitely be playing a full-time NHL roster. We've got a lot of confidence in our lineup. And that's how you have to play.”

The Leafs have only lost one game without Matthews in the lineup this season, a 3-0 loss on home ice against the Ottawa Senators on November 12. With the win over Utah, the Leafs are 7-1-0 in his absence and 42-20-2 all-time without him in the lineup. 

When asked about the record without Matthews, Tavares ensured the focus remained on the team’s collective effort rather than individual absence.

“Honestly, that's not your thought process, Tavares explained. “I think guys that have been here, there's guys in and out throughout the course of seasons, different years. Auston's missed a little bit of time before, but, just believe in the group and the identity we're trying to build, the type of game we're trying to play, and I think the depth we have.”

“I think everyone that's a part of it. Don't get me wrong, we want him back as soon as possible. But good job by everyone. Just continuing to go to work and do what we need to do each and every game to build and get better and earn results.”

As the Leafs continue to rack up wins, Marner, Tavares, and the supporting cast have risen to the occasion, showcasing the team’s depth – which will need to continue as the Leafs now shift focus to their Florida trip, set to begin on Wednesday against the Florida Panthers.