Sheldon Keefe confirms Matthews out against defending champs; Hart, Rocket Trophy hopes slipping?
We have some unfortunate news to announce for Leafs Nation on a Thursday morning, as it appears as though Auston Matthews will not draw back into the lineup for Thursday night's game in Tampa against the Lightning after taking to the ice with the scratches during the morning skate.
Matthews came out of the lineup after suffering an injury during Saturday's game in Ottawa, missing Sunday's matchup with the New York Islanders and Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe poured water on the idea that Matthews' injury was of any real concern, stating on Sunday that it was minor and completely unrelated to the wrist that he had offseason surgery on. Still, the fact that he'll miss a third straight game is concerning.
With just 5 games remaining in the season, Matthews sits just 2 goals shy of the 60-goal mark, which is insane, considering that the 24-year-old has only played 70 games this season. Leon Draisaitl sits just 4 goals back of Matthews in the Rocket Richard Trophy race, so hopefully Matthews can get back into game action in the coming days to ensure that he doesn't fall behind in the race.
There is also some worry that Matthews, who at one point appeared to be the Hart Trophy favourite, could also be losing ground to the likes of Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Huberdeau and Johnny Gaudreau.
As soon as it was announced earlier this week that Matthews would travel with the team on their 3-game road trip, I think just about everyone was of the mindset that the league's leading goal scorer would suit up against the Lightning and the Panthers. There's a growing concern that his current injury could be a nagging one.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 21 | 353 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe confirms Matthews out against defending champs; Hart, Rocket Trophy hopes slipping? Should the Leafs just shut Matthews down for the remainder of the season to ensure he's good to go in the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 95 | 26.9 % |
| No | 258 | 73.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
