Leafs' Matthews returns vs. Sharks after taking hit to head
Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews returned to Friday’s game against the San Jose Sharks in the third period after being taken to the locker room earlier in the contest.
Matthews received a shot to the head from Sharks defenceman Brenden Dillon and immediately underwent further evaluation.
Here’s another look at the play:
Dillon clips Matthews up high. Matthews was slow to get up. pic.twitter.com/6nBn3sYDkW
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) October 26, 2019
Matthews was clearly upset about the hit, while Dillon was not penalized.
"It's fucking in the head. Oh yeah." pic.twitter.com/nUPvWrK4TE
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) October 26, 2019
It would’ve been a crushing loss for the Maple Leafs if Matthews missed any time at all, with the team already missing captain John Tavares, winger Zach Hyman and defenceman Travis Dermott due to injury.
For now, Maple Leafs fans can rest easy as Matthews resumed his duties on the power play and would later add an insurance goal to secure the 4-1 victory.
Dillon did not have any intention of injuring Matthews on the play, and reached out to apologize after the incident.
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