NHL roundup: Auston Matthews scores as Leafs top Blackhawks

Auston Matthews scored for the first time since returning from an injury and the Toronto Maple Leafs went on to defeat the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Monday night.

John Tavares, Fraser Minten and Matthew Knies also scored for the Maple Leafs, who have won two games in a row. Anthony Stolarz made 27 saves.

Matthews opened the scoring with his sixth goal of the season at 15:35 of the first period. It was his first goal since missing nine games with an upper-body injury. He had two assists upon making his return on Saturday in a 5-3 road win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Lukas Reichel scored for the Blackhawks, who have lost three in a row. Chicago goaltender Arvid Soderblom stopped 18 shots.

Devils 5, Rangers 1

Jack Hughes recorded two goals during a three-goal second period for visiting New Jersey, which never trailed while cruising to an easy win over New York.

Jesper Bratt scored 87 seconds into the contest and tied a career high with three assists, and the Devils scored at least five goals for the 11th time in their first 28 games. Hughes registered his 22nd career multi-goal game and fourth against the Rangers.

Jacob Markstrom made a season-best 38 saves and was aided by a defense that blocked 27 shots as the Devils improved to 12-5-0 in their past 17 games. Chris Kreider scored a power-play goal for the Rangers, who lost for the sixth time in seven games.

Stars 2, Utah Hockey Club 1

Casey DeSmith made 34 saves to help Dallas earn a win against Utah in Salt Lake City.

Evgenii Dadonov and Jamie Benn scored second-period goals for the Stars, who have won three in a row.

Nick Schmaltz scored his third goal in the past two games and Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves for Utah, which was coming off a 6-0 road win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday but is still looking to win two in a row for the first time since starting 3-0-0.

--Field Level Media