And an update on Jake Muzzin
Auston Matthews left Monday’s win against the Carolina Hurricanes in the third period after getting hit in the back of the head by Brett Pesce while battling with Nino Niederreiter. Matthews was down for a long while on the ice, but eventually left under his own weight but didn’t return.
Auston Matthews went into concussion protocol after taking a hit to the back of the head pic.twitter.com/4shSJ3vNqL
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 8, 2022
Matthews wasn’t at practice on Tuesday, but he was always scheduled to miss that day because of the All-Star weekend. Head coach Sheldon Keefe said they were optimistic about Matthews’ return and things were better than expected, but that they were still cautious.
Today, he was on the ice with the Leafs and later told the media that he’s good to go for Thursday night’s game in Calgary.
Auston Matthews says he’s good to go for tomorrow’s game at Calgary @TSN_Edge
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 9, 2022
Auston Matthews looking like Auston Matthews pic.twitter.com/jql8bXIXUG
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 9, 2022
The reigning Rocket Richard winner scored his 30th and 31st goals of the season last night, putting him two behind Chris Kreider (who has seven games in hand on him) for the Rocket Richard race.
What a shot from Matthews pic.twitter.com/nKgpjE1OnF
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 8, 2022
No. 3️⃣0️⃣ for 3️⃣4️⃣. #NHLStats: https://t.co/CpP1Jjmjp8 pic.twitter.com/aPjpyxkfmg
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 8, 2022
The Leafs didn’t run a revised forward lineup during their practices, instead getting a couple UofT players to fill in at forward and as an extra defenseman (Pierre Engvall skated at 1C with Marner and Bunting). Another bit of good news was Jake Muzzin taking his regular spot in the lineup and penalty kill next to Justin Holl, indicating he’s probably ready to be back in the lineup soon. The Leafs still want to be cautious with him due to his concussion.
Wayne Simmonds is going to be a daddy again as his wife gave birth to their second child! He wasn’t at practice today and it’s unclear whether he’ll rejoin the team in time for Thursday’s game. Take that paternity leave, Wayne!
Keefe on Simmonds: “His wife gave birth … he had good reason to be away”
Unclear when Wayne will rejoin the team
Sheldon says Leafs may go with 11-7 look if Simmonds is unavailable in Calgary @TSN_Edge
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 9, 2022
Among the 21 skaters under the cap, the Leafs have chosen to take the extra defenseman in Dermott or Liljegren versus an extra forward, like Nick Ritchie. If Simmonds isn’t available to play, Travis Dermott will skate as the seventh defenseman with Sandin and Liljegren on the third pair together.
Bunting – Matthews – Marner
Kerfoot – Tavares – Nylander
Mikheyev – Kämpf – Kaše
Engvall – Spezza – Simmonds
Rielly – Brodie
Muzzin – Holl
Sandin – Liljegren
Dermott
Campbell
Mrázek
Unless there are acquisitions coming ahead of the Trade Deadline, expect this to be the ideal roster the Toronto Maple Leafs go into the playoffs with.