3 takeaways from Leafs-Ducks: A belated response to Auston Matthews’ injury in violent victory

During post-game media availabilities, Morgan Rielly took responsibility several times for not responding to Gudas’ hit initially.

“I didn’t have a good view of it, because the puck was going the other way,” Rielly said. “It’s on me for not responding earlier to Gudas being there. It’s a dirty hit. I didn’t understand how bad he got him in the moment, but I take full responsibility for not being the first one in.”

Matthew Knies suggested that Gudas’ reputation should be considered by the NHL Department of Player Safety when it comes to potential supplementary discipline.

“It was a quick play. I was more focused on the puck because I knew (Auston) wanted to go back door to Cowboy there. Obviously saw him down in pain. You know the player: he’s done that quite often. I think it should be looked at.

“It’s our best player going down. It’s gotta be taken by the league here.”

Berube appeared to be incensed that no one responded immediately, but stated that he was encouraged by his team’s play and ensuing physicality in the third period.

“The league is obviously going to look at it, and see what the suspension will be or whatever happens. We should have had four guys in there doing something about it, but it didn’t happen but I thought we responded in the third.”

Berube stated that Matthews will be re-evaluated Friday. If Matthews misses any time at all, it would be another crushing loss amid a brutal season for the Maple Leafs.

Michael Pezzetta fights one second into Maple Leafs’ debut

Michael Pezzetta made an immediate impact during his Maple Leafs’ debut. Toronto started its fourth line, a puzzling development that immediately came into focus. Pezzetta dropped the gloves with Jeffrey Viel one second into the contest, drawing a roaring ovation from the crowd.

Following the Maple Leafs’ morning skate, Pezzetta spoke about how stoked he was to play for his hometown club.

“I think it’s just pure excitement. Just being out there at morning skate, just so excited. I couldn’t sleep last night. It’s exciting, anytime you can be back on NHL ice, it’s exciting,”

Pezzetta will need further ice-time, as Berube has been reticent to give extended minutes to the recent wave of Marlies call-ups, playing a team-low 3:43 during the contest. Bo Groulx certainly benefited from some key minutes as Toronto’s third-line centre, scoring his first goal with the club, during the third period. From a competitive standpoint, there’s nothing to play for and Pezzetta could quickly emerge as a gritty fan favourite.

Matias Maccelli remains on March heater

Although the Maple Leafs have struggled throughout March, Matias Maccelli is playing his best hockey of the season. Maccelli scored his fourth goal in five games, stripping Jackson LaCombe of the puck, before racing away for the game’s opening goal.

Maccelli has been playing instinctively throughout March, while operating in his truest role as a playmaking winger. He’s still just 25 years old and he’s best used as a top-six playmaker, or perhaps in a top-nine role on a contending team. During a second period power play following Gudas’ ejection, Maccelli spun a backhand pass to John Tavares for the game-tying goal.

Maccelli should’ve swapped roles with Max Domi this season, but Berube earmarked the latter for a top-six role all along. There are times where Maccelli’s lack of defensive detail frustrates Berube, but with 16 games remaining, and considering that Maccelli is just 25 years old, heading to restricted free agency this summer, it’ll be compelling to monitor his form for the remainder of the year.

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