Leafs’ Auston Matthews Leaves Game With Injury Ahead Of Bruins Matchup [VIDEO]
Auston Matthews left Thursday’s Maple Leafs win over the New York Islanders with an undisclosed injury late in the third period. The Toronto star got hurt just minutes after scoring the game-tying goal for the Leafs, who won 4-3 in a shootout.
You can watch Matthews’ goal and subsequent injury in the above video, via Sportsnet. Shortly after deflecting the puck to the back of the net for his 28th goal of the season, he got sandwiched between two Isles defenders on a hit and appeared to take some awkward contact. He immediately went to the bench as he motioned for a teammate to replace him on the ice.
There has yet to be an update on Matthews as of Friday morning. The mysterious injury comes right before the Leafs have a crucial matchup with the Bruins at the Air Canada Centre on Saturday night.
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Where The Leafs Stand
It’s dangerous to read into body language. But from the looks of the hit and Matthews’ reaction to his injury, it looks like it’s an upper body. Shoulder, collar bone, back. But there’s yet to be any specific report on it. There’s also the possibility of a concussion, which Matthews suffered in December.
The Leafs (38-20-5) sit just one point behind the Bruins (37-13-8) in the Atlantic Division standings. However, the B’s have five games in hand on Toronto entering Saturday. So the Leafs can use every point they can get.
We’ll update you on Matthews’ status when it comes. If he has to sit on Saturday night, or if it’s a major injury, that would be a huge blow for the Leafs and a big break for the B’s. It could also affect how the Leafs approach the trade deadline.
UPDATE: TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweeted on Friday that Matthews’ injury is believed to be to his shoulder. More will be known after an MRI.
UPDATE NO. 2: Leafs head coach Mike Babcock announced that Matthews is day-to-day and won’t play on Saturday against the Bruins.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
