Leafs feeling Golden after shootout win over Vegas Golden Knights

3) Auston Matthews playing hurt

Leafs Nation took a collective deep breath when it was reported that Matthews had exited Monday mornings practice because of soreness.

It’s not hard to believe Matthews could be battling something at the moment. As the number one centre on the Leafs, you’re gonna be checked hard every single night.

The Leafs even had Josh Leivo take the pre-game skate as a precaution. However, Matthews battled through the pain and played.

Matthews looked a little banged up, but he still played a great game. He single handedly set up James van Riemsdyk’s goal in the first period off a great spin move and drive to the front of the net.

Coming into the second period, Matthews started on the wing, with Nylander playing down the middle. This was most likely to keep Matthews from having to backcheck as hard and get into battles in front of the net.

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Matthews has not gone two straight games without a point this season. There has been no sophomore slump for the Leafs’ number one centre.

Although his performance was good against Vegas, Matthews did not practice with the Maple Leafs the following morning at the MasterCard Centre. As a result, Frederik Gauthier has been recalled and Kasperi Kapanen has been sent back to the Marlies.

No update has been given on what Matthews is dealing with or how many games, if any, he could miss.

Next: Reactions from the sports world to Roy Halladay’s death

The Leafs continue their three-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night. Let us know your thoughts on the game against the Golden Knights and what stuck out to you.