Matthews Injured, Maple Leafs Called Out for Lack of Response

A scary moment overshadowed the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night. Auston Matthews took a knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas and didn’t return to the ice. There isn’t an update on how serious Matthews’ injury is, but Gudas received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing. There is also a ton of criticism being handed out to the Maple Leafs, who didn’t respond when their captain went down.

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The play happened late in the period with Matthews positioned in the slot. The Leafs’ star was hit by Gudas in what many are calling a dirty and malicious play. Matthews grabbed at his left leg and stayed down before eventually needing help getting off the ice, putting very little weight on the injured leg as he made his way to the dressing room.

Related: It’s Not Matthews’ Fault for His Scoring Drought

Officials reviewed the play and assessed Gudas a five-minute major for kneeing, along with a game misconduct, ejecting him from the game. Many believe that supplemental discipline will follow.

Shortly afterward, the Maple Leafs confirmed Matthews would not return, and fans are awaiting news, hoping the issue isn’t serious.

Where Was the Response from The Maple Leafs?

Head coach Craig Berube was not pleased with the Radko Gudas hit and felt there could have been a better physical response from his team at the time. Following the game, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly took responsibility for the delayed response.

“It’s on me for not responding earlier to Gudas,” Rielly said. “Obviously, it’s a dirty hit. I didn’t understand how bad he got him in the moment, but I take full responsibility for not being the first one in there.”

The incident sparked questions about why Toronto players didn’t immediately confront Gudas after the play. “We should’ve had four guys in there doing something about it, but I thought they responded in the third,” said Berube.

The team is expected to conduct further evaluation, and a clearer update could come once imaging and additional testing are completed. Early speculation from analysts has mentioned the possibility of MCL involvement, though some believe the angle of the hit may have limited more extensive structural damage.

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