Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews said he “took a weird hit” that forced him out of the lineup for two games during the team’s opening-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins.
Matthews, who said he was also dealing with a flu-like illness, missed must-win Games 5 and 6, but the Leafs managed to claim victories both times to force a decisive Game 7.
The 26-year-old Matthews finished the playoffs with four points in five games. He had one goal and two assists in the Leafs’ 3-2 victory in Game 2 and added another helper in the decisive Game 7 as Toronto fell 2-1 in overtime.
“Obviously, it was tough,” Matthews told reporters Monday. “I got really, really sick after Game 2. Playing Game 3, obviously going through that. I was still kind of trying to recover going into Game 4, took a weird hit and couldn’t go any longer. That’s as detailed as I’m going to get into it.
“I mean obviously, it was tough. It was really frustrating. It sucks and it was killing me to watch. Proud of the guys and how they fought and climbed their way back into the series. I was fortunate to get to play in that Game 7. Just try to go out there and give it my all and obviously, it’s disappointing and frustrating being here today.”
Matthews finished the regular season with a league-leading 69 goals to earn his third Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in four years.
He is also a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, as well as the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward.
