Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Shares Feelings on Scary Scene Involving Chris Tanev
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs were stunned by veteran Chris Tanev being carted off on a stretcher in Philadelphia, and captain Auston Matthews shared his feelings about the concerning turn of events following the win.
Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up a much-needed win over a Philadelphia Flyers team who have shown some real signs of life this season. Unfortunately, the win came at a cost.
Tanev Stretchered Off the Ice In Philadelphia
Veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, who was making his return to the Leafs' lineup after missing 11 days dealing with a concussion, was blindsided by budding Flyers star Matvei Michkov, snapping his head back in a concerning way, and rendering him motionless on the ice and in need of a stretcher.
The Leafs, who were looking on with a great deal of concern, rallied around their fallen teammate, pulling off a gutsy 5-2 win -- their first road win of the 2025-26 season.
Auston Matthews Reacts to Scary Scene Involving Chris Tanev
After the game, captain Auston Matthews spoke with the media, having a tough time putting it into words just how hard it was seeing Tanev, widely considered one of the toughest players in the NHL by his peers, being strapped to a stretcher and carted off the ice.
"It's a tough feeling. He's such an integral part of this team and a guy that brings so much experience. And anytime you know they're bringing out a stretcher, it's never a good feeling deep inside. So, we're all thinking about him and praying for him and hoping for the best."
Tanev did give fans the thumbs up before being carted off the ice, which is a good indicator that he'll be okay. Craig Berube also offered an update on Tanev after the game. Still, his teammates are rightfully concerned.
Uncertainty in Toronto After Tanev Injury
What this means for Tanev moving forward is uncertain. The Leafs are probably going to want to be extra cautious, as two head injuries in a short amount of time is alarming and should be treated with a great deal of patience, observation and care.
Player Safety Should Look at the Michkov Hit
Michkov was given a 2-minute minor penalty for interference on the play, but there is a great deal of chatter happening regarding whether or not it warranted a 5-minute major, given that it was a blindside hit and that Tanev did not have the puck.
We'll see what the NHL's Department of Player Safety decides, but George Parros has shown a bias against the Leafs on more than one occasion, so I'm not holding my breath.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 2 | 787 ANSWERS Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Shares Feelings on Scary Scene Involving Chris Tanev Do you think Matvei Michkov should be suspended for his hit on Chris Tanev? | ||
| Yes, blindside hit | 497 | 63.2 % |
| No, just an unfortunate result | 290 | 36.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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