Toronto reporter says Auston Matthews might be concussed

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Tyler Ball
May 1, 2024 (10:32 PM)

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Auston Matthews left game 4 against the Boston Bruins reportedly due to illness ahead of the third period. Toronto reporter Howard Berger has hypothesized that Auston Matthews is dealing with more than sickness.

During a recent article he wrote on BetweenThePosts.ca Howard Berger discussed Auston Matthews' absence. According to his write-up Howard Berger spoke to a doctor about Auston Matthews' symptoms. The unnamed doctor believes that Auston Matthews could be dealing with a concussion.

«I know that Matthews has sustained at least two concussions during his years in the NHL,» said the sports clinician. «And, while I have no pertinent info, the fact the Leafs are calling it an �illness' rather than an injury � and that the issue is complicated by physical exertion � leads me to think he may have taken another shot to the head. Of course, the NHL has strict concussion protocol and the Leafs would be obligated to keep Matthews out of the line�up if he's experiencing any effects of post�concussion syndrome. I'm sort of debunking my own argument, but no one tells the truth in the playoffs. So we are left to speculate. And, I'm comfortable with the head�shot hypothesis.» Others have suggested Matthews incurred food poisoning. «Were that the case, he'd be very sick for a brief time,» said the doctor. «Food poisoning doesn't �linger'. Neither is it exacerbated by physical activity.

While of course this is all speculation and conspiracy at this point it now becomes a storyline. Auston Matthews has been out of practice due to this ailment creating more concern for his availabilty for a must win game 6 and game 7 if needed.