Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews left Tuesday’s loss to the Boston Bruins with a lower-body injury in the second period and did not return.
The 28-year-old centre was hit by Bruins defenceman Nikita Zadorov from behind along the boards prior to exiting.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters after the game he wasn’t entirely sure when Matthews suffered the injury but he was no fan of Zadorov’s hit.
“I think it’s a penalty, personally. But I’m not the referee. I don’t like it. I don’t like the hit. [Matthews] is in a vulnerable position. So, whatever. Nothing I can do about it.”
The Boston blueliner was not penalized on the play and told reporters after the game there was no ill intent.
“It was just a normal play. I didn’t really hit him. I hit my right shoulder, 99 per cent of my hits in the NHL are with my right shoulder,” Zadorov said.
