Analyzing the Critical Moment Auston Matthews Re-Aggravated His Injury During the Game
Auston Matthews reaggravated a lingering injury last night in the game against the Buffalo Sabres, taking him out of the lineup once again.
This morning, it was reported that Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was back on the sidelines after he reaggravated an injury from earlier in the season.
NHL insider Chris Johnston has the scoop.
Naturally, there is now more speculation surrounding Auston Matthews after he missed most of November with a mysterious condition.
Matthews even travelled to Germany last month to see a specialist which obviously raised concerns among Leafs fans.
One possibility is that he upset something when he was on the receiving end of a big hit from Sabres center Tage Thompson.
After that hit though, Matthews seemed fine. He shrugged it off and finished his shift, showing no signs that he was hurt.
Later in the match though, he was the recipient of a strong cross-check to the lower-back and hip area.
This time, he immediately showed signs of pain, grabbing at his hip before gingerly skating back to the bench.
Matthews has already missed nine games this year, so tonight will be his tenth.
He has 11 goals and 23 points in the 24 matches he has gotten into, which is certainly a shade below his normal production.
Still though, he remains a vital part of the team. With him out of the lineup, the Leafs' forward depth will be tested once again.
They've already shown that they have what it takes to win without him this year, so hopefully tonight's matchup against the New York Islanders shouldn't be too big of a challenge.
With that being said, they will certainly be hoping to get their captain back as soon as possible.
