Auston Matthews to miss 2nd straight playoff game with Leafs facing elimination

2 weeks ago 29

Auston Matthews will miss the Maple Leafs' must-win Game 6 against the Boston Bruins. Head coach Sheldon Keefe said following today's morning skate the star sniper would be unavailable with Toronto down 3-2 in its first-round playoff series.

Game 6 takes place Thursday in Toronto at 8 p.m. ET

Joshua Clipperton · The Canadian Press

· Posted: May 02, 2024 12:31 PM EDT | Last Updated: 28 minutes ago

Boston Bruins players Charlie McAvoy (bottom) takes down Toronto Maple Leafs player during second period action in Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series in Toronto on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Auston Matthews will miss the Maple Leafs' must-win Game 6 against the Boston Bruins.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe said following today's morning skate the star sniper would be unavailable with Toronto down 3-2 in its first-round playoff series.

Matthews was pulled from Game 4 with an illness and didn't play in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime victory in Boston with the Leafs facing elimination.

The 26-year-old centre skated alongside forward Bobby McMann (lower-body injury) for about 30 minutes this morning before Toronto's playing group took the ice.

The Leafs were also minus star winger William Nylander for the first three contests of the best-of-seven matchup.

Leafs captain John Tavares says Toronto has dealt with big absences in the past.

"It's the nature of the game, the sport," he said. "Guys responded really well last game. We gotta play together as a group, everyone stepping up and doing more.

"Not one guy trying to fill his shoes."

Game 7, if necessary, would be Saturday in Boston.

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