The Toronto Maple Leafs went through a tense night when Auston Matthews was injured in the lower body because of a blow from Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov. The accident occurred during the second period of the 5-3 loss on Tuesday. Teammates and coaches were also strongly reacting to the hit, as it was perceived as something dangerous and unnecessary. Now, the Toronto Maple Leafs are left waiting for updates on their captain’s condition.
Auston Matthews left field after controversial move
The locker room of the Maple Leafs was evidently upset after the game. Head coach Craig Berube said the hit should have been penalised. “He’s in a vulnerable position,” Berube said. “I don’t like the hit. I don’t like that kind of play.” The team leader Auston Matthews, was sidelined with a lower-body injury and did not go back to the ice.
Max Domi went forward and confronted Nikita Zadorov on the field. Later Domi replied that he would rather not say much about it but it was hard to watch their captain suffer. You would not wish to see someone lose, particularly a player like Auston Matthews. He means a lot to us,” Domi said.
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Anthony Stolarz’s exit adds more trouble for Craig Berube
Auston Matthews was not the only one who went down. Anthony Stolarz, the goalie, also exited the game with an upper-body injury. He left in the first period and didn’t return. Head coach Craig Berube gave a small update after the game, saying he didn’t believe Stolarz’s injury was serious. “I think he’ll be fine,” Berube told TSN.
Veteran John Tavares also created some noise condemning the risky strike on Auston Matthews. He had his back turned, and you don’t like seeing anyone hit like that, especially your leader,” Tavares said. The Toronto Maple Leafs, which is currently ranked as the seventh team in the Atlantic Division with an 8-8-1 record, will be hoping that both Austin Matthews and Anthony Stolarz will be back on their feet before the team plays the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.
