Matthews feels fortunate to avoid injury; good to go Thursday

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs, who practised at Ford Performance Centre on Wednesday before travelling to Calgary for Thursday’s game against the Flames.

Auston Matthews has avoided any serious injury after the knee of Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Brett Pesce hit his head late in Monday's game.   "I wasn't expecting it so I was just a bit shaken up," the Leafs centre explained. "It happened so quick. Fortunately, I was able to calm down and everything checked out well. I'm fortunate it was nothing serious."   Matthews realized he'd be OK shortly after arriving in the dressing room.    "I just felt like I got hit on the side of the head pretty hard," Matthews said of the play. "I felt fine later that night. Felt good the next day and throughout the day. So, just talking to the medical team, there was no hesitation to jump into practice today."  

Auston Matthews looking like Auston Matthews pic.twitter.com/jql8bXIXUG

  Matthews skated in his regular spot on the top line and top power-play unit.    "He was eager to get back out there today and seems no worse for wear," observed coach Sheldon Keefe.    "He looked like himself out there," agreed William Nylander. "I mean, obviously, that seemed like a scary situation, so happy to see him back today like normal."

Less than 48 hours after taking a knee to the head late in Monday's game against Carolina, Auston Matthews was back on the ice at Leafs practice. Toronto's superstar appears to have dodged any serious injuries and, as Mark Masters reports, it doesn't look like he'll miss any playing time.

---   "Normal" for Matthews means scoring. He has lit the lamp in three straight games, including sneaking