Toronto Maple Leafs v Los Angeles Kings - Source: Getty — Auston Matthews escapes gruesome injury after taking Cutter Gauthier's skate blade to the face - Source: Getty

Auston Matthews escapes gruesome injury after taking Cutter Gauthier's skate blade to the face

Modified Mar 31, 2025 02:37 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews narrowly avoided a gruesome injury during Sunday's matchup against the Anaheim Ducks.

Ducks player Cutter Gauthier pressed Matthews as he attempted to secure the puck near the faceoff circle. In his effort to stop Matthews from securing the puck, Gauthier lost his balance and fell forward on the ice.

As he fell, his trailing left skate came dangerously close to slicing Matthews' face, who snapped his head back to try and avoid it. Fortunately, he escaped without serious injury; otherwise, the outcome could have been far worse.

Watch the video here:

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Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks are tied at 2-2 after the third period at Honda Center. Auston Matthews has notched 68 points through 29 goals and 39 assists in 58 games this campaign.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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