Leafs’ Matthews another Benn victim? Red Wings Vrana healthy scratch in GR
The Detroit Red Wings beat a Toronto Maple Leafs team missing 20-goal scorer Auston Matthews on Thursday. Matthews missed his second straight game with an undisclosed injury. Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe will only allow that it’s an ongoing issue that has been plaguing the 2021-22 Hart Trophy winner for some time.
My guess based on everything that has been mentioned is that it stems from this check (not called) crossed by Jamie Benn on October 20th. He was visibly embarrassed that night and immediately after and it’s all cleverly described.
(Original clip: @TicTacTOmar) https://t.co/XQfBFO3OFq pic.twitter.com/8ORJIC6lLp
— Jeff Veillette (@JeffVeillette) January 11, 2023
Some Toronto writers are suggesting this could stem from a cross-check on Matthews by Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn earlier this season. If that’s the case, Red Wings and Leafs fans may find themselves in the unusual position of being on the same page when it comes to their disdain for Benn.
In was a cross-check by Benn that led to the season-ending neck injury suffered by Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin in 2021.
Oddly enough, Benn’s brother, defenseman Jordie Benn, plays for the Leafs.
Vrana lands one outside off
While the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins were playing the Iowa Wild on Wednesday, Jakub Vrana was not. The Red Wings forward, who was assigned to GR last week after clearing waivers from the NHL, was a healthy scratch. Vrana’s substitute Kyle Criscuolo scored a goal as the Griffins lost 5-2.
The official reason for Vrana’s absence was the AHL’s veteran rule. AHL teams are only allowed to suit up to five non-goalies with 320 or more NHL, AHL or elite European league games played. The bottom line, though, is that if Vrana played well, he wouldn’t be the guy the Griffins were scratching.
Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde had decided to trade Griffins coach Ben Simon when it came to Vrana’s healthy scratch.
“We’ll talk about everything, but when it comes to his team, it’s his team,” Lalonde said.
Red Wings In case you miss Red Wings Next game
The miserable Columbus Blue Jackets, bottom of the NHL’s Eastern Conference at 12-27-2, visit Little Caesars Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET).
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San Jose: The San Jose Sharks are on a historically bad streak when it comes to one-goal losses.
Vegas: Mark Stone (upper body) was nursing an injury as the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Florida Panthers.
Colorado: The NHL’s worst team, the Chicago Blackhawks, defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion, the Colorado Avalanche. Is it time to panic yet?
Calgary: Rookie Walker Duehr scored his first NHL goal as the Calgary Flames defeated the St.
Islanders: The New York Islanders were showing their frustration as a blown lead led to their fourth straight loss.
Washington: Is the situation between the Washington Capitals and former Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha out of order?
Philadelphia: Coach John Tortorella is removing all iPads from the Philadelphia Flyers bench.
Florida: There are multiple related families involving the Florida Panthers claiming Casey Fitzgerald on waivers.
Boston: Former Red Wings forward Tomas Nosek is playing through injury for the Boston Bruins.
Pittsburgh: Will the Pittsburgh Penguins’ thin blue line thin out?
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