Auston Matthews breaks his silence on the Zadorov hit NHL Player Safety didn't punish
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Auston Matthews spoke for the first time on the hit from Boston Bruins Nikita Zadorov.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews spoke on the hit he faced on November 11th against Boston from Nikita Zadorov.
Matthews left in the second period against Boston after the hit from Zadorov and did not return. Matthews had not played since although it was later clarified by the team that the Zadorov hit wasn't the reason for his absence, and that an unrelated issue was keeping him out of the lineup.
Now returning for his first game since the hit in today's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Matthews provided some perspective on the incident and his thoughts on the play.
What Auston Matthews actually said about the Zadorov hit
Auston Matthews spoke with reporters earlier today and commented on the Zadorov incident.
TSN's Mark Masters reported that Matthews said that the Zadorov hit was somewhat on him, that he let himself be put into the situation to be knocked into by the highly physical Zadorov.
I'm three feet away from the boards & he hits me in the numbers. I know his game & he likes to play hard & you respect that ... maybe I could've put myself in a better position knowing he's out there ... - Auston Matthews, via Mark Masters/TSN
The 6'7, 255lbs Zadorov is recognized as being one of the top physical defenders in the NHL, and is known for playing with a heavy edge, which Matthews admits he should have been more aware of his surroundings.
Matthews also spoke on his injury, staying that he feels ready to go and his readiness has improved over the last few days, making him a go for tonight against Columbus.
Also returning for the Toronto Maple Leafs are Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy, with what will be an injury-free forward group for Toronto for the first time this season.
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