John Tavares doesn't hold back when asked about Nikita Zadorov's hit on Auston Matthews
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares spoke to the media after a loss against the Boston Bruins, and the topic quickly shifted over to Auston Matthews' injury.
Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins by a score of 5-3, although, in the process, they also lost Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz.
Stolarz appeared to tweak something in his upper-body, and he should be back soon. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews needs to be evaluated, and that could be a disaster for the Leafs.
Of course, the Matthews injury came following a hit from behind by none other than Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who is already hated by Leafs fans.
Zadorov did not receive a penalty on the play, and after the game, John Tavares had a lot to say about the lack of action from the referees.
John Tavares speaks on Auston Matthews' injury
According to Tavares, the play should have immediately been called a penalty by the officials. The former captain noted how Matthews had his back to the play, and therefore, it made everything worse.
Obviously, Papi's got his back facing the play. So, you don't like seeing anyone get hit on the numbers, especially our leader and obviously one of the best players in the game and our best player.
It remains to be seen whether or not Matthews is going to have to miss any significant time as a result of this hit from Zadorov.
However, if he does, then it is just yet another blow to this Leafs team that has been dealing with a whole lot of mediocrity since the very beginning of the NHL season.
The team is currently seventh in the Atlantic Division, with a record of 8-8-1. You can't get more middle-of-the-road than that.
Only time will tell whether or not the Maple Leafs can get out of this funk, or if it is going to continue through the month of November.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 12 | 609 ANSWERS John Tavares doesn't hold back when asked about Nikita Zadorov's hit on Auston Matthews Do you believe Nikita Zadorov should have been penalized for his hit on Auston Matthews? | ||
| YES | 531 | 87.2 % |
| NO | 78 | 12.8 % |
| List of polls | ||