Toronto forward Max Pacioretty has been ruled out for the Maple Leafs' game Monday night against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning because of an upper-body injury.
Pacioretty took a puck to the head area in front of the net during a shot attempt from teammate Auston Matthews on Jan .18 against the Montreal Canadiens. Pacioretty remained in the game but missed the next two contests against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Matthew Knies joins a long list of injured Leafs that has had a trickle-down effect on the rest of the lineup.
It’s not the first time a player has called out Toronto fans. Outfielder Dave Winfield urged Blue Jays fans to make more noise in 1992. They went on to win the World Series that year with “Winfield wants noise” becoming the post-season mantra.