Auston Matthews to Miss Two Games with Upper-Body Injury, Maple Leafs Continue to Adapt
Auston Matthews, the star center and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, will be sidelined for at least the next two games as he battles an upper-body injury. This news comes as a blow to the team, who will play without their top player in back-to-back matchups against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday and the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Matthews has already missed two consecutive games due to this injury, and while he is showing signs of improvement, the team has decided to hold him out for the upcoming weekend.
The 27-year-old Matthews has been dealing with this injury for some time now. Just last month, he missed nine games after suffering an upper-body injury, which sent him to Germany for treatment. Matthews’ most recent absence began after a tough game against the Buffalo Sabres on December 20, when he took several hard hits but continued to play through the pain, even scoring in the 6-3 victory. However, it’s now clear that the injury is more serious than initially anticipated.
Also Read:- Colin Farrell's Inspiring Marathon: A Heartfelt Journey That Redefined the Finish Line
- Shane Warne’s Kids Honor His Legacy at the Boxing Day Test
Coach Craig Berube mentioned that although Matthews is feeling better, he will not be ready to return for the team’s next two games. This is undoubtedly a difficult situation for the Maple Leafs, as Matthews has been a driving force for the team this season. He has already tallied 23 points, with 11 goals and 12 assists, in 24 games this year. His performance in the past few seasons, including last year’s career-high 69 goals, has set the bar high for the Maple Leafs.
During Matthews’ absence last month, the team managed to perform well, going 7-2-0 in his absence, which speaks to the depth of their roster. Toronto has a strong supporting cast, including players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares, who are more than capable of stepping up in Matthews’ absence. However, his leadership and offensive presence will undoubtedly be missed.
As for the injury itself, while Berube hasn’t provided much detail, he did suggest that this issue could be related to Matthews’ previous injuries but is not linked to the wrist surgery he underwent during the 2021 offseason. Matthews will continue to receive treatment, and the team is hopeful for his swift recovery. But for now, the Leafs will look to maintain their momentum without their star player, relying on the collective effort of the team to continue pushing forward.
The next two games are crucial for the Maple Leafs, and the outcome of these matchups could shape their position in the standings. Despite Matthews’ absence, the team remains optimistic and focused on their goals. The challenge is clear, but with the depth of their roster and the determination of the players, the Maple Leafs are ready to tackle this next stretch of games head-on.
Read More:
0 Comments