Matthias was on the ice for the Canucks morning skate, but head coach Willie Desjardins did not have an update on him following the skate. He was unsure whether or not Matthias would be available tonight. Consider him a game-time decision.
Matthias was elbowed in the head by the Leafs’ defenseman Stephane Robias on Saturday. The Canucks winger struggled to regain his balance after falling to the ice. He was woozy, left the game and didn’t return. Its not a stretch to suggest a concussion because a quiet-room visit and then not returning would mean the customary seven-day window to ensure symptoms subside. If he is unavailable on Sunday, Nicklas Jensen would get into the lineup.
Matthias was acquired in the Roberto Luongo trade but at this time appears to be no better than a third-line centre. Matthias has a history of being great in the month of March. In March, 2013 he had 11 goals and two assists (13 points) in 16 games, and already has three goals and two assists (five points) in two games in March. He is expected to centre the third line with David Booth and Tom Sestito likely on his wings.
Matthias, 26, has nine goals and seven assists (16 points) in 59 games with the Panthers this season. He set a career-high with 14 goals in last year's shortened season, but has taken a step back this year.
Matthias will center the third line with Tomas Kopecky and Jesse Winchester. Krys Barch comes out of the lineup to make room.
If Matthias can not play, Joey Crabb will likely make his Panthers debut.
Matthias was among the Panthers best players this past season. He posted 14 goals and seven assists (21 points) in 48 games.
Matthias has been one of the lone bright spots on the Panthers this season. He has recorded four goals, one assist and a plus-3 in his last seven games.
He could be an option for the rest of the season in deeper leagues.
Matthias draws back in on the third line. He scored 10 goals and 24 points in 78 games this season.
Matthias draws out for tonight's game. He scored 10 goals and 24 points in 78 games.
Matthias moves off the second scoring line to a checking unit. The Mississauga, Ontario native has seven goals and 16 points in 42 games.
Look for Matthias to draw back in on the third line, probably bumping Tim Kennedy back out of the lineup. Through five games, he has no points and a minus-2 rating.
Hopefully you aren't relying on Matthias on Saturday
Matthias will be a game-time decision tonight. Through five games, he holds a minus-2 rating playing primarily on the fourth line. He doesn't hold any fantasy hockey value at this point.
Matthias figures to begin the season on the fourth line. Last season he scored six goals and 16 points over 51 games for the Panthers, forcing the young forward to compete for playing time. Following a successful Junior career with the Belleville Bulls, the pivot never scored more than 10 goals and 20 points over three professional seasons.
Matthias's camp spent most of the offseason fighting for a one-way deal -- a caveat the Panthers eventually caved into, in year two. This season Matthias is in no way guaranteed a roster spot. Draft accordingly in deeper leagues.
