{"id":503340,"date":"2026-03-14T17:45:35","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T17:45:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/503340\/"},"modified":"2026-03-14T17:45:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T17:45:35","slug":"maple-leafs-coach-challenges-nhl-ruling-on-auston-matthews-hit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/503340\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs coach challenges NHL ruling on Auston Matthews hit"},"content":{"rendered":"

The coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> questioned the league\u2019s discipline after the injury to captain Auston Matthews<\/a>. Matthews will miss the rest of the season after a dangerous collision in a game against the Anaheim Ducks<\/a>. Now, the incident has led to debate across the NHL <\/a>about the league\u2019s ruling.<\/p>\n

Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear<\/a> and a quadriceps contusion during the game. Doctors will re-evaluate the forward in two weeks, but the team already ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The injury happened after a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, and the on-ice officials assessed Gudas a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct.<\/p>\n

The league\u2019s Department of Player Safety later suspended Gudas for five games. However, Toronto coach Craig Berube believes the punishment does not match the consequences of the hit. <\/p>\n

MORE: Auston Matthews\u2019 agent slams NHL\u2019s \u2018reckless\u2019 decision after season-ending setback<\/a><\/p>\n

Sportsnet reporter Luke Fox shared Berube\u2019s reaction on X after the ruling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe lose our guy, our captain, for the year,\u201d Berube said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t seem like enough for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Craig Berube on Radko Gudas getting five games: “We lose our guy, our captain, for the year. It doesn’t seem like enough for me.”<\/p>\n

\u2014 luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) March 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The coach\u2019s comments reflected frustration around the Maple Leafs after the decision.<\/p>\n

Berube had already called the hit dangerous immediately after the game. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a dirty play,\u201d Berube said after the Ducks game<\/a> at Scotiabank Arena. \u201cThe League\u2019s gonna look at it, and see what the suspension will be or whatever happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the hit, Matthews was in immense pain following his fall to the ice. He was seen placing little weight on his left leg, and now the MRI has confirmed his injury, and absence for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n

Maple Leafs coach critiqued Toronto\u2019s response after Auston Matthews hit<\/p>\n

Earlier, Berube also criticized his players for not reacting immediately after the collision. He said teammates should have defended their captain when he went down. Forwards William Nylander and Easton Cowan were on the ice along with defensemen Morgan Rielly and Carlo.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should\u2019ve had four guys in there doing something about it, but it didn\u2019t happen,\u201d Berube said, while mentioning<\/a> the delayed response in the third.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) looks at injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (34) after he delivered a knee on knee hit at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The injury also hurts Toronto\u2019s playoff chances, as they have just 28 wins this season. Their captain is now out of the season with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games. <\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs will have to face the final stretch of the season without their top scorer and leader.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

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