Matthews Sidelined One Week, Stolarz Day-to-Day for Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are managing some setbacks as the team faces injuries to key players. Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs’ captain, is sidelined for approximately one week with a lower-body injury. This injury was sustained during the team’s recent game against the Boston Bruins, a contest they lost 5-3.
Auston Matthews’ Injury Details
Matthews exited the game with 30 seconds left in the second period after experiencing discomfort. Coach Craig Berube indicated that this was a new injury and not related to any previous issues Matthews had faced this season. Matthews has been performing well, notching 14 points in 17 games and sharing the team lead in goals at nine with John Tavares.
Impact on the Team
- Toronto’s historical record without Matthews stands at 45 wins and 24 losses.
- Last season, the team recorded a 10-5-0 record during his absence.
With Matthews sidelined, the team will adopt a next-man-up mentality. Tavares has been moved to Matthews’ line alongside Matthew Knies and William Nylander. Tavares emphasized the importance of maintaining strong play both with and without the puck to adapt to the new lineup.
Changes to Power Play and Lineup
Max Domi has stepped into a higher role, replacing Tavares on a line with Nicholas Robertson and Bobby McMann, and taking Matthews’ spot on the top power-play unit. Nylander praised Domi’s abilities, noting his skill as a playmaker.
Additional Injury Updates
In addition to Matthews, goalie Anthony Stolarz is also day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He departed during the first period of the game against the Bruins after allowing three goals on 11 shots. Arthur Akhtyamov has been recalled from the American Hockey League to support the team following Stolarz’s injury.
Scott Laughton’s Status
Scott Laughton has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to November 8 due to a lower-body injury sustained during the same game against the Bruins. This marked Laughton’s second game of the season after previously missing 13 due to a different lower-body issue.
Defensive Focus for the Maple Leafs
Despite being third in the NHL for scoring with 62 goals, the Maple Leafs are tied for last in goals against, having allowed 65. Nylander emphasized the need to focus on defensive improvements rather than attempting to replace Matthews’ offensive contributions. He noted that the team could adjust to become better defensively and highlighted the importance of attention to detail in their game.
