Leafs reporter suggests real injury Auston Matthews may have
The Toronto Maple Leafs staved off elimination last night even though Auston Matthews was out of the lineup. The details of Matthews' absence have been fuzzy, leading to speculation that he may be dealing with a serious issue.
Leafs reporter Howard Berger recently talked with a sports clinician about Auston Matthews, trying to dissect why he is out of the lineup. The doctor in question refused to reveal himself though, choosing to remain anonymous to protect himself.
The medical issue - almost predictable - that would keep Auston Matthews out of Game 5 tonight in Boston
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That being said, this mystery doctor seems to think Matthews might be dealing with concussion-like symptoms. His justification for this revolved around the fact that the team has not revealed any details about the injury, calling it an illness. Keeping in mind the fact that that the Leafs would not even be allowed to play Matthews if he is, in fact, dealing with a concussion.
«I know that Matthews has sustained at least two concussions during his years in the NHL. And, while I have no pertinent info, the fact the Leafs are calling it an ‘illness' rather than an injury — and that the issue is complicated by physical exertion — leads me to think he may have taken another shot to the head. Of course, the NHL has strict concussion protocol and the Leafs would be obligated to keep Matthews out of the line–up if he's experiencing any effects of post–concussion syndrome. I'm sort of debunking my own argument, but no one tells the truth in the playoffs. So we are left to speculate. And, I'm comfortable with the head–shot hypothesis.»
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman stated yesterday that he believes Matthews is dealing with more than just an illness, suggesting that the Leafs have not been entirely truthful about the superstar's status.
"I don't believe that this is the illness anymore."
@FriedgeHNIC
and the panel discuss Auston Matthews' absence from Game 5.
The Leafs might have gotten away with one elimination game without Matthews in the lineup, but it will be difficult for the team to continue winning without their top goal-scorer. As such, his return is highly anticipated. Hopefully he will be well enough to suit up for game six.
Previously on Daily Hockey Dose
| POLL |
1 MAI | 298 ANSWERS Leafs reporter suggests real injury Auston Matthews may have Do you think Auston Matthews will return to the lineup for game six against the Boston Bruins? |
| Yes | 66 | 22.1 % |
| No | 232 | 77.9 % |
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