Maple Leafs Thriving Without Matthews: Tavares and Marner Lead Charge Amid Injury Challenges

November 18, 2024
Maple Leafs Thriving Without Matthews: Tavares and Marner Lead Charge Amid Injury Challenges
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs have continued to excel despite the absence of star player Auston Matthews, boasting a league-leading record of 5-1-0 and an impressive .833 winning percentage over the last two weeks.

  • Coach Craig Berube has indicated that while Matthews is day-to-day, he is not experiencing any worsening of his condition, which has persisted since the preseason.

  • Matthews is currently sidelined for at least another week due to an undisclosed upper-body injury he sustained on November 3.

  • In Matthews' absence, John Tavares has stepped up significantly as the top-line center, scoring four goals and accumulating six points over the last six games.

  • Wingers Mitch Marner and Bobby McMann have also made notable contributions, with Marner netting four goals and ten points, while McMann has added three goals.

  • The team is facing additional challenges as center Calle Jarnkrok has undergone surgery for a groin and sports hernia issue, and he is now listed as month-to-month.

  • Jarnkrok's injury has been a concern since training camp, limiting his playtime early in the season before he ultimately opted for surgery.

  • Berube expressed disappointment regarding Jarnkrok's condition, acknowledging his potential to contribute if not hindered by injuries.

  • Although Matthews has been placed on injured reserve and has not practiced recently, he remains eligible to return at any time.

  • Jarnkrok's earliest potential return could coincide with the game against Utah on November 24.

Summary based on 1 source


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