Toronto Maple Leafs Superstar Unlikely For Game Five

The Toronto Maple Leafs problems continue as there’s a major Auston Matthews update going into Game 5 of tonight’s opening-round series against the Boston Bruins. A number of reporters said that the Leafs superstar forward left Tuesday’s practice after less than 10 minutes on ice. He is now unlikely to play in the game, which is a big blow to the lineup.

Auston Matthews Update After Tuesday’s Practice

TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie said that Matthews left the ice after five minutes this morning ahead of Game 5. The American forward has been battling an illness that saw him miss the third period of the Maple Leafs 4-2 loss in Game 4. He is unlikely for Game 5, which is a big blow to the lineup. Toronto is down in the series to Boston three games to one. Matthews tried battling through the illness for the first two periods. However, team doctors ultimately pulled him from the game.

The league’s top goal-scorer finished with 69 goals and 38 assists for 107 points in 81 games this season. Matthews has 368 goals and 281 assists for 649 points in 562 career games. The California born, Arizona raised Matthews has a goal and two assists for three points in four post-season games this campaign.

Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe said that Matthews’ status is uncertain earlier and it was going to be the doctors call if he’s in or out for tonight’s game. Keefe had also said that it is more than just an illness that Matthews is dealing with at this time.

Other News and Notes

Joseph Woll will get the start in goal as the Leafs try to prevent another devastating first-round playoff exit. Ilya Samsonov had started the first four games, but Woll will be tasked with trying to stop the bleeding.

There’s plenty of pressure on the Leafs to overcome this 3-1 hole the Bruins put them into. Not having Matthews in the lineup would make the task that much more difficult. He did get the game-winning goal in Game 2 of the series for Toronto’s only victory so far.