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Matthews Injured in Controversial Hit Despite Leafs' Victory

3/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, left the game against the Anaheim Ducks on October 26, 2023, due to a knee injury from a hit by Radko Gudas.
The hit occurred in the second period, resulting in Gudas receiving a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.
Matthews, who had recently ended a 12-game goal drought, will undergo an MRI after being helped off the ice.
Coach Craig Berube criticized the team's lack of response to the hit, with players like Morgan Rielly acknowledging their failure to protect Matthews.
Despite winning the game 6-4, Matthews' injury raises concerns about the Leafs' playoff prospects.

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Story summary

Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, left the game against the Anaheim Ducks on October 26, 2023, due to a knee injury from a hit by Radko Gudas.
The hit occurred in the second period, resulting in Gudas receiving a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.
Matthews, who had recently ended a 12-game goal drought, will undergo an MRI after being helped off the ice.
Coach Craig Berube criticized the team's lack of response to the hit, with players like Morgan Rielly acknowledging their failure to protect Matthews.
Despite winning the game 6-4, Matthews' injury raises concerns about the Leafs' playoff prospects.