Maple Leafs Morning Skate Sparks Growing Injury Concerns for Auston Matthews

As Game 4 is set to take place from Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Maple Leafs are looking to take a stranglehold on the second round series and head back home with a 3-1 lead.

It's not going to be easy, and the team is dealing with some concerns with their goaltending, especially with Anthony Stolarz out of the lineup for the foreseeable future.

Toronto certainly has the means to do it, and all the stars are going to need to bring their A-game against Florida, and one would hope that the rest of the team can also contribute when it matters.

However, one star who is causing some issues is Auston Matthews, not only because he isn't scoring, but because he missed practice as well.

It was reported that the Maple Leafs captain was not seen skating ahead of Game 4, as a potential injury concern started to develop.

While more than likely it's just rest, considering that Matthews has openly admitted to needing a bit more time to get prepared physically; that's concerning in and of itself.

If the captain can't skate in practices and constantly needs to rest himself while the others still linger through the pains makes it feel not only like preferential treatment, but how bad is he hurt if he constantly needs a break?

There's no real indicator of whether or not the Maple Leafs captain is actually hurt or not, but there's a good chance that since he dealt with two separate injuries earlier, plus a third scare in the 4 Nations; it's a huge possibility.

All fans, teammates, and pretty much everyone are going to be waiting with bated breath as they await the judgement call of whether or not Auston Matthews is ready to go.

In nine games this postseason, Matthews has 10 points (2G, 8A) and while he's playing solid defense and helping out in a playmaking aspect, the Maple Leafs need him to start scoring.

If he is, then things are just as usual with him needing some extra rest before game time.

But if he suddenly finds himself not in the game, or struggling to get a handle on things?

Florida needs to count their blessings that two of Toronto's top players are out when they need them most.