The Toronto Maple Leafs will have to play the third period against bitter rivals the Boston Bruins without their leader.
Captain Auston Matthews exited Tuesday’s game in the second period, with the team later announcing that the forward will not return with a lower-body injury.
The injury happened mid-way through the second period when Bruins defenceman Nikita Zadorov laid a heavy hit. Matthews was sent head-first into the boards, but was able to finish his shift before eventually leaving the game.
He finished the game with 10:51 of ice time and one hit.
The team also announced that goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who was replaced after the first period by Dennis Hildeby, suffered an upper-body injury and will not be available for the remainder of the game.
Through 16 games this season, Matthews has nine goals and 14 points and is averaging a career-high 21:54 of ice time.
