µþ°¿³§°Õ°¿±·â€”William Nylander was on his phone, texting Auston Matthews: “What happened?’’
The Swedish Maple Leafs star was puzzled as to why his American teammate had not dressed for Monday’s concluding game of the 4 Nations Face-Off round robin, a match of no consequence because the United States and Canada had already clinched their championship match bona fides.
“He hasn’t answered me yet,’’ Nylander said. “Hopefully he’s ready to go for the final. That will be fun.’’
So, too, would have been watching Toronto’s two most gifted goal-scorers lining up against each other, a preview of the Milano Olympics next year. Alas, not to be.
“Where’s Auston?’’ was very much on many people’s minds.
U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan raised more eyebrows about the status of the American captain in his post-game press conference, after addressing the absence of ace defenceman Charlie McAvoy. “Charlie obviously is out with an upper-body injury. Auston was more banged up.’’ He hastily reached for a less-alarming descriptor. “Nicked up, I should say.’’
That triggered immediate speculation among the journo chatterati that Matthews may have re-aggravated the still undisclosed injury that caused him to miss 15 Leafs games earlier this season and sent him to Germany for consultation with a medical specialist.
Later Monday night, though, as this reporter was making her way down the stairwell at TD Garden, Matthews came flying past, bounding down the steps, appearing not in the least discomfort. He didn’t stop to answer any pesky questions.
Tuesday was pretty much a rest and recovery day for all players, except for a handful wrangled to palaver with reporters in the media room. This time, Sullivan sounded completely unconcerned about Matthews’ fitness.  “I would anticipate Auston being available for the championship game.’’ That prognosis was confirmed by a Leafs source: “He’s fine.’’
Still, it’s troubling that a big strong stud like Matthews would have missed a game in this quick-strike tournament, given how seriously he has taken his captaincy role, just six months removed from inheriting that “C’’ from John Tavares with the Leafs. Some were puzzled by the choice of Team USA brass, investing Matthews with the responsibility on a squad that boasts three players with Stanley Cup rings and no shortage of take-charge personalities, such as Matthew Tkachuk.
Not for the first time in the past week, Sullivan enumerated Matthews’ stewardship qualities.
“As I’ve gotten to know him through the course of this experience, my sense is that he’s a quiet leader. The best way he leads is through his example. The way he plays on the ice, he competes extremely hard. He’s got a great 200-foot game and I think that is his best form of leadership for this group. I know how much respect he has from his teammates and his coaches and managers.’’
While Matthews has just one assist through two games, nobody could seriously devalue his top-line contributions in all areas, averaging 20:16 of ice time, if limited to a mere two shots. Though his presence is tangible, he hasn’t been able to make a distinctive mark yet on this best-on-best stage as Canadian counterpart Connor McDavid has. His teammates see it differently.
“He’s magic as a player,’’ Noah Hanifin said. “He’s a leader by example and sticks to his own business. This is a big opportunity for him and for USA Hockey. He’s kind of the face of it.’’
“It’s pretty obvious what he brings as a leader on a daily basis.” Chris Kreider said. “Calm, cool, collected. Everyone knows his ability to score goals, so that speaks for itself, but just how detailed his game is. To see it on a daily basis, he’s been super impressive. If he can play for us (Thursday), that will be a big lift — getting one of, if not the best player in the world back in the lineup.’’
Sullivan says his band of brothers has quite enough emotional centrifuges and that’s not what he needs from Matthews.
“We have some that are rah-rah guys and vocal, who want to drag us into the fight. And then there are some like Auston that bring a certain demeanour to the rink every day that is professional, but there’s also a quiet confidence about him. He knows what he’s capable of. He knows what this team is capable of and he carries himself in a way that I think inspires the group.’’
Matthews is not an issue. The loss of McAvoy is, among a fistful of other injured players.
Sullivan disclosed that the baby-faced, hard-nosed McAvoy, an idolized Bruin, was admitted to hospital on Monday and will miss the title game. The 27-year-old is undergoing tests related to an “upper-body injury.” Sullivan provided no details, though conjecture is that he has developed an infection from a minor injury, possibly arising from the walloping open-ice hit he laid on McDavid on Saturday.
Reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes was on his way to Boston, Sullivan said, although Hughes was seen skating with the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. He would only be eligible to play Thursday if there’s another injury on the U.S. blue line.
“(McAvoy is) obviously disappointed that he won’t be able to participate in the championship game,’’ Sullivan said. “I’m disappointed for him. First and foremost, he’s a great kid. And he’s a tremendous hockey player.’’
And he’s Sullivan’s son-in-law.
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