### Auston Matthews' Injury: A Major Setback for the Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a significant challenge as their star player and captain, Auston Matthews, has been sidelined for at least a week due to a lower-body injury. This injury occurred during a recent game against the Boston Bruins, where Matthews was hit by defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Although the injury is not deemed serious, it comes at a critical time for the team, which is currently on a three-game losing streak and struggling to find its form this season. Matthews has been a key contributor, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 17 games this season, and his absence could further complicate the team's efforts to regain momentum [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_leafs_auston_matthews_to_miss_at_least_1_week/s1_17050_43062111][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_leafs_auston_matthews_sidelined_at_least_a_week_with_injury/s1_16958_43062160]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Injury Impact and Team Response 1. **Injury Details**: - Auston Matthews sustained a lower-body injury after a hit from Nikita Zadorov during the second period of the game against the Bruins. He did not return to the game following the incident [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3396897/report-matthews-out-at-least-a-week-with-lower-body-injury]. - The hit was controversial, with head coach Craig Berube expressing discontent over the lack of a penalty call [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/auston_matthews_injury_maple_leafs_hit_with_another_blow/s1_16454_43056266]. 2. **Team Performance**: - The Maple Leafs are currently on a three-game losing streak and have a record of 8-8-1, placing them near the bottom of the Atlantic Division [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/maple_leafs_matthews_stolarz_leave_game_with_injuries/s1_16958_43053949]. - Matthews' absence is particularly concerning as he is a crucial offensive player, having scored 14 points in the season so far [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/toronto_maple_leafs_offer_injury_updates/s1_17203_43062579]. 3. **Upcoming Games**: - The Maple Leafs will face the Los Angeles Kings at home, followed by a road game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The team will also play home games against the St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets in the coming week [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_leafs_auston_matthews_to_miss_at_least_1_week/s1_17050_43062111]. ### Supporting Evidence: Matthews' Performance and Team Statistics - **Matthews' Season Stats**: - Goals: 9 - Assists: 5 - Total Points: 14 in 17 games - **Team Record**: - Current Record: 8-8-1 - Recent Performance: Three consecutive losses ### Conclusion: A Critical Moment for the Maple Leafs In summary, **Auston Matthews' injury is a significant blow to the Toronto Maple Leafs**, who are already struggling to find their footing this season. The team must navigate the upcoming games without their captain, who has been a vital part of their offense. The situation is compounded by the fact that the Leafs are currently on a losing streak, raising concerns about their ability to compete effectively in the league. As they prepare for their next match against the Kings, the focus will be on how they can adapt and overcome this setback [https://www.chch.com/chch-news/matthews-stolarz-both-out-injured-thursday-for-struggling-maple-leafs][https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nhl/news/maple-leafs-in-crisis-as-auston-matthews-injury-sparks-fears-of-season-collapse-after-brutal-bruins-encounter/articleshow/125288171.cms].