Jake McCabe Leaves the Leafs-Flyers Game With Apparent Head Injury After Frightening Fall
The Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves down a man as Jake McCabe had to leave the game due to a nasty landing after a fight with Philly's Garnet Hathaway.
Having already dealt with so many injuries to various players so far this season, it is really tough for the Maple Leafs to stay healthy for more than a few games at a time. Their new style of play leads to a bit more recklessness which in turn means more injuries.
During Sunday's game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs, Jake McCabe of the Leafs ended up getting into a very short scrap with Philly's enforcer Garnet Hathaway.
Although it wasn't the spirited contest that fans may expect from both teams given their history, it was what happened at the conclusion that is worrying. Upon getting pushed to the ground, McCabe's head struck the ice hard as Hathaway landed on him, and he was dazed and slow to return to his feet.
It's not only a scary incident in general that harkens back to the John Tavares concussion, but the fact that McCabe has already been injured taking a puck off the side of the head earlier this season against Tampa Bay.
The positive is that McCabe was alert and was able to make it to the dressing room, but still more than likely has a concussion.
Unfortunately for fans and the Leafs in a worrying sign, McCabe officially was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
So how bad can things be if McCabe is out long-term?
The Maple Leafs Can't Afford To Lose Jake McCabe
If McCabe is out for any extended period of time due to a concussion and related symptoms, it could spell complete disaster for the Maple Leafs.
One of the team's best defensemen, his pairing alongside Chris Tanev has been one of the NHL's best duos and he's shown new life throwing his weight around constantly, stepping in front of every shot, and throwing down the gloves.
It's the latter that caused this issue and one needs to wonder if Craig Berube made the best decision to keep Ryan Reaves out of the lineup, especially knowing Philadelphia's potential to play a bit underhanded.
If Toronto loses McCabe, then presumably Conor Timmins would slide in. Although he's a serviceable defenseman, he has struggled this season and doesn't bring the type of help Toronto needs.
More than likely Simon Benoit will slide up to the second pairing, or perhaps throw Tanev on the first pairing with Morgan Rielly and leave Benoit and Myers together to form a competent and sneaky shutdown duo.
This season, McCabe is having a bit of a down year offensively with only one goal, but he does have 10 assists. He led the Maple Leafs defensemen last season with eight goals and recently signed a big extension to stay in Toronto as a big part of their future.
All Toronto can hope for is that McCabe is only taken out for precautionary reasons and will only miss a game or two much like Matthew Knies earlier, or it could be a rough season going forward.
