Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Auston Matthews expected to miss game five after not being at practice
The Toronto Maple Leafs star player, Auston Matthews, was noticeably absent from the team's practice ahead of game 5 against the Boston Bruins.
With elimination looming, Matthews was missing from the ice as the team prepared for the crucial matchup.
Matthews has been battling illness, which sidelined him from practice last week and caused him to miss part of game 4.
No Auston Matthews at Leafs practice today.
Leafs practice has begun
Auston Matthews is not on the ice
Leafs centre was pulled from Game 4 by team doctor due to illness
@TSN_Edge
Auston Matthews is not on the ice
Leafs centre was pulled from Game 4 by team doctor due to illness
@TSN_Edge
Sheldon Keefe had to shuffle the power play unit in Matthews' absence, with Max Domi stepping in alongside Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly on the first unit.
PP1 for the Leafs practising today without Auston Matthews: Max Domi joins Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe is expected to provide an update on Matthews' status before game 5 tomorrow.
The absence of Matthews could significantly impact the Leafs' chances against the Bruins. In his absence, the team will need other players to step up their game to a level we haven't yet seen in the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 29 | 160 ANSWERS Auston Matthews expected to miss game five after not being at practice Do you think Auston Matthews will be good to play for game five? | ||
| Yes | 68 | 42.5 % |
| No | 92 | 57.5 % |
| List of polls | ||