TSN Analyst Preps Maple Leafs Fans on Potential Recovery Plan for Auston Matthews
TSN analyst Jeff O'Neill recently discussed the potential recovery timeline for Auston Matthews and what Toronto Maple Leafs fans can expect moving forward.
The Maple Leafs suffered an unfortunate 5-2 loss to one of their Canadian rivals, the Winnipeg Jets, in a game highlighted by a stellar performance from Mark Scheifele, who netted a hat trick in the win.
Toronto was without their superstar Auston Matthews for this game, as he is battling an injury sustained last week against the Buffalo Sabres. Matthews was officially ruled out for the contest making it the second in a row.
Former Leaf Jeff O'Neill weighed in on Matthews' recovery after the game, emphasizing that the focus should now be on preparing him for the postseason.
As per LeafsLatest on X:
O'Neill appears to be alluding to the Leafs holding Matthews out of games and the 4 Nations Face-Off to ensure that he's healthy and available when the Leafs need him most -- the postseason.
Matthews missed multiple games for the Leafs in last season's first round matchup against the Boston Bruins, and had he been good enough to play, it could have been the difference between winning and losing that series. Clearly, the Leafs don't want to be without his services in Round 1 again.
While the Maple Leafs struggled against the Jets, one player who stood out was Max Domi, who dropped the gloves with Alex Iafallo in Iafallo's first career fight, and it may very well have been his last, as Domi easily defeated him in a one-sided scrap.
As the Maple Leafs head into the holiday break, they do so with back-to-back losses -- something the team isn't accustomed to. With a 21-12-2 record, they're still sitting in a good spot, though.
With injuries to both Anthony Stolarz and Auston Matthews, the Leafs will need to regroup quickly if they want to avoid slipping in the standings, especially with the Florida Panthers nipping at their heels.
