Maple Leafs Breathe Sigh of Relief as Star Forward Avoids Injury Scare

As the Toronto Maple Leafs headed into their pivotal game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, there was serious implications if the team was able to score a regulation victory over their Atlantic Division foes.

They weren't able to do that but they were able to come away with the two points after a 4-3 win in overtime. Backed by a hat-trick from Matthew Knies, and a combined nine points from their top line; it looks like a very good sign for the future.

Speaking of the top line, one player that had a whale of a game was Auston Matthews. Potting three assists and showcasing much more than just his scoring ability (which needs to pick up eventually), it was a great game from the captain.

However it could have been a complete disaster.

Matthews seemed to double himself over in pain after blocking a shot and shortly after Tampa Bay tied the game. It was a scary sight that gave everyone a fright.

However, things seemed to be alright as Matthews took his next shift, although it certainly wasn't at 100%.

It's a huge relief that Matthews isn't seriously injured, because Toronto is going to need him to be at the tip-top of his game come postseason time.

Those three assists added to his season point total bringing it to 74 points in 62 games (30G, 44A) and it's a very respectable total given he's also missed 15 games so there was the potential for him to have an 85-90 point season yet again.

If Matthews is indeed dealing with some after effects of the blocked shot, he's going to have a couple of days to heal up before having to get ready for a back to back against Montreal and Carolina.

That spells bad news for the Maple Leafs, but the fact he didn't leave the game is a very positive sign.

No doubt we'll hear from the team regarding Matthews soon, and all we can hope is he doesn't end up being day-to-day.