Toronto Maple Leafs Avoid NHL Penalty Following Controversial Screw Up
The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided a disastrous start to their game against Chicago on Monday as a lineup error could have cost the team.
Normally, lineup announcements go off without a hitch. Sometimes the PA system has trouble relaying signals, or a name is mispronounced. However it's fairly rare you see a completely different player being introduced.
That's what happened with Toronto against Chicago on Monday as it was announced Auston Matthews was to line up first; oddly with Nick Robertson and Steven Lorentz. Toronto avoided disaster as Matthews lined up, but they could have started the game off on the wrong foot.
It was a bizarre start to an eventual 4-1 Toronto victory, but it's definitely one of the rarities in hockey.
It also showed Matthews' awareness of the intricacies of the league, noting that something similar happened previously and didn't want to risk anything:
It also shows great maturity for the Leafs captain to step in briefly in order to help Toronto avoid a rough start. Matthews did his best to help on the scoresheet too, adding a goal in the first to get Toronto on the board.
Head coach Craig Berube was none too pleased with the error, blaming the technology messing up nearly costing the team:
Matthews made his return Saturday against Tampa Bay and had two assists in the 5-3 victory.
There weren't any lineup mishaps that game thankfully, as Toronto is slowly building up momentum to try and lock down the Atlantic Division.
Toronto did well in Matthews' absence going 7-2-0 during that span while getting key contributions from John Tavares, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Bobby McMann.
They're doing alright with his return too, going 2-0-0 outscoring their opponents 9-4.
With his goal against Chicago, Matthews brings his season point total to 14 points in 15 games (6G, 8A) and has started to show signs of his former self, and not the one hampered by an injury.
It's a huge step forward for the Maple Leafs as they head towards a hopefully long playoff run.
FAQ: Maple Leafs Avoid Disaster Thanks To Auston Matthews
Q1: How did Auston Matthews help Toronto avoid disaster?
A1: Toronto avoided disaster because of Auston Matthews lining up to start even though he was not scheduled to due to an error, therefore he played on a different line to save a penalty.
Q2: Why did Auston Matthews start if he wasn't scheduled?
A2: A technological glitch with the lineup submission led to Matthews' name being called as opposed to Fraser Minten, leading to the confusion and potential penalty for Toronto.
In closing, Toronto avoided a rough start to their game against the Blackhawks thanks to the quick thinking and leadership of Auston Matthews.
While it wasn't his typical line, he had no problem skating with a different pair so long as it helps Toronto in the end.
