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Maple Leafs question missed cross-check on Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs let a big opportunity slip by after blowing an early 3-0 lead in their 4-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

With the game tied 3-3 in the third period and the Leafs looking to apply some pressure in the offensive zone, Auston Matthews was spilled into the boards by Avalanche defenceman Josh Manson.

Matthews was down on the ice briefly and was slow to get up as he was cross-checked in the side by Manson. There was no penalty call on the play which did not sit well with head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Maple Leafs' Matthews slow to get up after taking cross-check from Avalanche's Manson
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews receives an uncalled cross-check from Colorado defenceman Josh Manson in the corner, leaving him slow to get up and the Maple Leafs bench infuriated.
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      After the game, the Leafs coach was asked what explanation he got from the referees in their decision to not give a penalty.

      "The ref told me he didn't get cross-checked and he fell by himself into the boards," Keefe said. "Those are my feelings I guess, he did not get cross-checked."

      Keefe was unsure if Matthews was dealing with any discomfort after the game but said that did ask his leading goal scorer if he could continue playing after getting hit and was told he was fine.

      'Hard non-call': Maple Leafs' Rielly, Marner and Nylander touch on cross-check on Matthews
      The Toronto Maple Leafs were none-too-pleased with the potential non-call on a cross-check on Auston Matthews, as Morgan Rielly, Mitch Marner and William Nylander all commented on the hit following the loss to the Avalanche.
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          William Nylander noted the lack of power play opportunities that went Toronto's way with just one penalty called on Colorado all game.

          "It's a hard non-call there and he gets hurt there too on the play," Nylander said about the Matthews cross-check.

          According to Natural Stat Trick, Matthews is 99th among NHL players with just 11 penalties drawn this season while Brady Tkachuk leads the league with 28 penalties drawn.

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