Sounds like a suspension could be incoming for Auston Matthews
A disappointing 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres at the Heritage Classic may be the least of the Leafs' problems, as the issue of subpar goaltending continues to boil over and now, a possible suspension for Auston Matthews.
Matthews and Sabres defender Rasmus Dahlin exchanged a few cross checks in front of the Sabres net before Matthews got frustrated and delivered a very stiff cross check that appeared to be directed at Dahlin's shoulder. The only problem was that Matthews did not catch Dahlin's shoulder, connecting hard with the neck and collarbone of the young Swede.
At the conclusion of the game, the Sportsnet panel had discussed the issue, with every member seeming to agree that the play was worthy of a suspension. TSN's Chris Johnston also reported that the league will indeed take a look at the play.
Now, given the fact that Matthews has no prior history, he may get off with a fine or a 1-game suspension. However, similar plays have earned players multi-game suspensions. It will be interesting to see how the Department of Player Safety rules on this one.
| POLL | ||
13 MARS | 542 ANSWERS Sounds like a suspension could be incoming for Auston Matthews Will Matthews be suspended? | ||
| A $5,000 fine at most | 189 | 34.9 % |
| He'll get 1-2 games | 150 | 27.7 % |
| He'll get 3+ games | 37 | 6.8 % |
| Dahlin started it, Matthews finished it | 166 | 30.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
