Leafs captain and top-line centre Auston Matthews left Tuesday’s game in Boston with a lower-body injury and did not return.
“I really can’t give you guys a timeline or how serious it is right now,” said coach Craig Berube. “And I’m not sure when he hurt it, to be honest with you.”
Matthews did get hit hard from behind by Bruins defenceman Nikita Zadorov on his final shift in the second period. He fell awkwardly into the boards. There was no call on the play.
“I think it’s a penalty, personally, but I’m not the referee,” Berube said. “I don’t like it. I don’t like the hit. He’s in a vulnerable position. So, whatever, nothing I can do about it.”
“I saw it quick,” said centre John Tavares. “Papi’s got his back facing the play so you don’t like seeing anyone get hit on the numbers, and especially our leader and obviously one of the best players in the game and our best player … Obviously, we didn’t like the hit.”
Matthews continued the shift and initiated a hit on Zadorov before heading to the dressing room.
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Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz sustained an upper-body injury during the first period and did not come out for the second.
“Kind of like a battle at the net and he kind of got a little bit stretched out,” Berube said. “I don’t believe that’s serious. I think he’ll be fine.”
Stolarz allowed three goals on 11 shots in the opening period. He did not come out to the bench for the second or third period.
The Leafs host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. Any chance Stolarz is available for that game?
“I hope so,” Berube said. “We’ll see.”
Dennis Hildeby stopped 19 of 21 shots in relief on Tuesday.
After missing the start of the season for personal reasons, Joseph Woll is currently in the American Hockey League on a conditioning stint. He is scheduled to start and play a full game for the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday in Grand Rapids and may join the Leafs later in the week.
The Leafs are off on Wednesday. The team’s next skate and media availability will be on Thursday morning.