Matthews, Leafs: Injury could sideline him for a week in the NHL

Auston Matthews Could Be Out Up to a Week with Injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Auston Matthews, could miss up to a week of action due to a lower-body injury, as confirmed by coach Craig Berube on Thursday. The forward’s situation was in doubt after he left Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins in the second period, following a hit from behind by Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Toronto hosts the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

Matthews] might return before [a week]. One of those things [where] he could be back in a couple of days feeling much better and [we hope] he’ll be fine to play. But we’ll see. It could be up to a week.

Craig Berube

Midway through the second period on Tuesday, Matthews was pushed into the boards and immediately tried to retaliate against Zadorov with a hit of his own against the defenseman. Matthews didn’t play another shift and left the Leafs’ bench at the next TV timeout. He didn’t return for the third period.

No penalty was called on the play, something Berube disagreed with.

I think it’s a penalty, personally. I don’t like it; I don’t like the hit [from Zadorov]. [Matthews] was in a vulnerable position.

Craig Berube

This will be Matthews’ first absence related to an injury this season, after he was sidelined for 15 games last year. The three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has nine goals and 14 points in 17 games this season.

We played last year without [Matthews] for a while, and it’s just the next-man-up [again] mentality. Guys have a bigger bite here, a more important role. We need a better team game.

Craig Berube

Matthews wasn’t the only one forced to leave Tuesday’s game. Goalie Anthony Stolarz also left after the first period, during which he allowed three goals on 10 shots. Berube said Tuesday that he didn’t think Stolarz’s problem was serious and declared Thursday that he was day-to-day. The goaltender has a 6-5-1 record this season with an .884 SV% and 3.51 GAA. Dennis Hildeby is expected to be Toronto’s starter against the Kings. The Leafs recalled goaltender Artur Akhtyamov from the American Hockey League on Thursday to back up Hildeby. They also placed forward Scott Laughton on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.