It was a loss that still stings. The final in the 4 Nations Face-Off was a war on ice, but ultimately, Team Canada and Connor McDavid swiped gold in a game-winning effort in OT, sending Team USA and Auston Matthews home in shock on the ice.

Now, with no wasted time on what could have been, Matthews is back in Toronto getting ready for the home stretch of the season in the NHL. But ahead of going back into Toronto mode, he’s going to talk with the media today following the optional skate. And let’s say there’s a lot on his plate.

Matthews, who captained Team USA in a hard-hitting tournament, wasn’t on the ice with the practice squad today—a testament to the fact that Matthews and other veterans like Mitch Marner are getting a much-deserved respite. But the bigger question is, how is his mental state? Losing a high-profile championship game in a tie game in overtime is hard, and with Matthews in the command, pressure was astronomical.

While he has not yet spoken, there is anticipation that he’ll discuss the disappointment, the grind of the tournament, and above all, how he intends on getting back in top-of-his-game shape in the NHL.

Back to business in the NHL: can Matthews overcome the loss?

Look, Matthews is no stranger to the spotlight. Since arriving in the NHL in 2016, he’s been under a microscope. And if anyone is going to switch back on in the regular season, it’s going to be him. But don’t think it’s going to be easy.

The Maple Leafs have a congested home stretch ahead of them, and they are right in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff fray. And with 27 games left, including back-to-back meetings with Buffalo and Pittsburgh, there isn’t any space for a gradual acclimatization. Toronto will need their captain firing on all cylinders and focused. The biggest concern? Fatigue. The 4 Nations Face-Off was not a pair of exhibition games—it was a war on ice, and Matthews saw a lot of ice in doing so. Team USA was counting on him in every pivotal moment, and by the end of the tournament, the toll was starting to catch up.

For Toronto’s coaching staff, finding a balance in his usage is going to be important. Sheldon Keefe hasn’t even broached a change in the lineup yet, but keeping Matthews rested while getting the utmost out of him is a delicate balance they’ll need to balance precariously. And not only is he recovering, but Marner, Nylander, and John Tavares are recovering from exhaustive tournament schedules.

Despite the wear and tear, Matthews’ return would inject a much-needed injection of energy in the locker room. The loss stings, I’ll grant, but it lights a fire, and we do know there is something about Matthews: adversity is what he feeds on. Now, as he is set to address the microphones, everything is going to converge on how he copes with disappointment in the 4 Nations—and primarily how quickly he is going to move on.

As the Leafs try to cement their playoff spot, Matthews’ capacity to put the 4 Nations disappointment behind him and regain his focus on the NHL season will be instrumental. The race in the Eastern Conference is close, and Toronto cannot afford to falter at this point. As Matthews hits the ice, Toronto followers are going to be looking for a boost. What is his mindset? What is his level? And most important, is he game?

One thing’s for sure—the grind doesn’t stop. Matthews may still be thinking about OT loss in his mind, but game day is going to witness him lock in and shepherd Toronto down the stretch. It’s time to move on. And for the Leafs, that equates to a singular thing—pursuing the Cup.