Toronto Maple Leafs lose Auston Matthews to injury after Radko Gudas hit
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews sustained a leg injury following a controversial knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas during Thursday’s 6-4 victory.
The U.S. Olympic captain was forced to leave the ice in the second period after colliding heavily with the bruising Czech defender.
Gudas was immediately handed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the dangerous challenge.
Calls for suspension
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was visibly frustrated by the incident and suggested further disciplinary action is required.
“Dirty play. League’s going to obviously look at it and see what the suspension will be or whatever happens.”
Toronto winger Matthew Knies also referenced the opposition blueliner’s track record for crossing the line.
“He’s done a few of those before in his career.”
The Anaheim defenceman recently ended Canadian captain Sidney Crosby’s Olympic campaign with a similarly aggressive hit during the quarter-finals.
Pre-match comments raise eyebrows
Prior to the morning skate, the Ducks veteran had publicly stated his intention to severely restrict space for Toronto’s talisman.
“We go to be on top of him. We got to make sure that he doesn’t get space in the middle of the ice… make his night’s not enjoyable.”
Despite these comments, Anaheim head coach Joel Quenneville staunchly defended his player’s actions.
“There’s no premeditation. Reflexes did it.”
Crucial blow for Toronto
Losing their prolific centre would be a significant setback for the Canadian franchise as the regular season progresses.
The star forward had just snapped a 12-game goal drought with a clinical power-play strike earlier in the same period.
He now boasts an impressive tally of 27 goals and 26 assists across 60 appearances this campaign.
Toronto medical staff will urgently assess the severity of the knee issue over the coming days.
