Photo credit: Sportsnet
Auston Matthews out for game five against Boston Bruins
The Toronto Maple Leafs are attempting to stave off elimination tonight as they face the Boston Bruins for game five of their first-round matchup. Unfortunately for the Leafs, they will be without their superstar and number one center Auston Matthews.
NHL insider Chris Johnston revealed today that Matthews did not arrive at TD Garden with the rest of his teammates today, a strong indication that he won't be suiting up for the team in what could be their last game of the season.Matthews was not part of the bud arrival to TD Garden tonight, per Chris Johnston on OverDrive.
He is not likely to play tonight. #LeafsForever
He is not likely to play tonight. #LeafsForever
Following the revelation, Johnston put out an article discussing Matthews ahead of game five with contributions from Leafs reporter Jonas Siegel as well.
New, for @TheAthletic with @jonassiegel: While the #leafs haven't officially ruled Auston Matthews out of Game 5, he's unlikely to be healthy enough to play tonight with their season on the line.
The insiders revealed that Matthews has been dealing with an ongoing illness throughout the playoffs. This is the reason he did not play in the 3rd period of game four. Additionally, he has another undiscolsed injury unrelated to the illness.
Matthews has been battling an illness and was forced to sit out the third period of Saturday's Game 4 against the Boston Bruins. According to sources, he is also believed to be nursing an undisclosed injury, which made it more likely than not that he wouldn't be able to play Tuesday with the Leafs trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Moments ago, fellow NHL insider and in-game reporter Emily Kaplan confirmed that Matthews will not play tonight for game five. She implied that the superstar is dealing with more than just a regular illness given the serious nature of the contest tonight.
No Auston Matthews tonight for the Maple Leafs.
Team is saying illness, feels like something more significant to keep a star player out of a potential elimination game.
Team is saying illness, feels like something more significant to keep a star player out of a potential elimination game.
As it is, the Leafs will just have to find a way to win without Matthews.
| POLL | ||
April 30 | 629 answers Auston Matthews out for game five against Boston Bruins Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will keep their season alive tonight, or will the Boston Bruins end the series? | ||
| Leafs force game six | 509 | 80.9 % |
| Bruins secure the series | 120 | 19.1 % |
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