Sports doctor delivers worst-case scenario for Matias Maccelli after injury against the Leafs
Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The New York Islanders may have taken a costly hit in Toronto. Matias Maccelli left Saturday's game against his former team, the Maple Leafs, late in the first period and was ruled out for the rest of the night with a lower-body injury.
The trouble began when Darren Raddysh tripped Maccelli, sending the winger down awkwardly and appearing to hurt his left leg.
Raddysh went to the penalty box, but the bigger question now is how much time Maccelli will miss.
What Dr. Harjas Grewal Sees in the Mechanism
Dr. Harjas Grewal offered an outside assessment of how the leg twisted on the play.
Mechanism can cause a left high ankle sprain and/or MCL injury (usually 4-6 weeks out) for Maccelli. Right groin strain also possible (timeline depends on grade of strain).
That is an important caveat. This is an informed opinion, not an official diagnosis from the Islanders.
Until the team shares results from an exam and imaging, every timeline remains a projection. Even so, a four to six week absence is the scenario to watch.
Why the Timing Hurts New York
Maccelli had climbed onto the Islanders' top line and first power-play unit, and he arrived in Toronto riding a five-game point streak. He was also facing a Leafs team that let him walk this summer, which makes the early exit even more frustrating.
The timing is also tough for New York's depth. Mathew Barzal remains out with a knee injury, so losing another key offensive piece would stretch the lineup thin early in the season.
Maccelli's playmaking had given the top group a needed spark, and replacing it internally will not be simple.
Toronto is dealing with its own injury concerns, with Chris Tanev sidelined and John Tavares listed week to week, so the Leafs also face a tricky stretch.
Islanders fans are waiting on an official update from the team, and the timeline could shift once the full picture is known, so it is best to treat every estimate with caution.
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