Maple Leafs Lose 3 Key Players to Injuries in Capitals Matchup

Goaltender, defenseman, and forward all ruled out mid-game for Toronto

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:06am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a hockey game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals into sharp, overlapping geometric planes. The players' movements and the intensity of the game are represented through the fragmented composition.A cubist interpretation of the Maple Leafs' injury-plagued matchup against the Capitals, capturing the fragmented nature of the game and the challenges the team now faces.Washington Today

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a significant blow during their game against the Washington Capitals, losing three key players to injuries. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, defenseman Morgan Rielly, and forward Auston Matthews all had to exit the game prematurely due to various lower-body and upper-body injuries sustained during play.

Why it matters

Injuries to star players like Stolarz, Rielly, and Matthews could severely impact the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes, as they are currently battling for a postseason berth in the tight Eastern Conference standings. The team's depth will be tested as they try to overcome these significant losses.

The details

Stolarz was the first to go down, exiting in the first period after making a stretching save. Rielly followed in the second period with an upper-body issue, and Matthews left in the third with a lower-body injury. All three players were ruled out for the remainder of the game.

  • The injuries occurred during the Maple Leafs' April 9, 2026 game against the Washington Capitals.
  • Stolarz exited in the first period, Rielly in the second, and Matthews in the third.

The players

Anthony Stolarz

The Maple Leafs' starting goaltender who had to leave the game early due to a lower-body injury.

Morgan Rielly

The Maple Leafs' top defenseman who suffered an upper-body injury and had to exit the game.

Auston Matthews

The Maple Leafs' star forward who left the game with a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“Losing those three guys in one game is a huge blow. We'll have to dig deep to overcome these injuries and keep fighting for a playoff spot.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Maple Leafs Head Coach

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will need to evaluate the severity of the injuries to Stolarz, Rielly, and Matthews and determine their availability for upcoming games as the team continues its push for the postseason.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' depth and resilience will be tested as they try to navigate this rash of key injuries to their starting goaltender, top defenseman, and leading scorer. Their ability to overcome these setbacks could be the difference between making or missing the playoffs.