Sheldon Keefe shared an update today on Auston Matthews' condition, saying there's been some progress, as he hit the ice for a skate today. Yet there's still no word on whether he'll suit up for Game 7.
As longtime Columbus Blue Jackets writer Mark Scheig said, anyone who truly thinks Matthews doesn't want to be out there is insane.
Anyone who truly thinks Auston Matthews doesn't want to be out there tonight is completely insane. Clearly this situation is serious enough that keeping him out was the best decision. His health comes first, playoffs or not.
Matthews has been sidelined since the third period of Game 4 and missed Games 5 and 6 due to illness and Leafs nation has been speculating what it could be.
It's a waiting game for now, and we won't know more until tomorrow. While there are reports he won't be suiting up, Leafs Nation will hold their breath until they get the final word on Matthews' availability at Saturday's Game 7-morning skate.
If he's out, the team will likely be fine according to their history without him. The Leafs are now 3-0 without Matthews this season. They've given up just two goals in the three games.
They've also won the last two games without him. However, it doesn't hurt when you have your 69-goal scorer and Maurice Rocket Richard winner at your disposal.
