In Tuesday night’s Game 5 against the Bruins in Boston, the Toronto Maple Leafs were missing forward Auston Matthews. This absence comes as Toronto is trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Matthews has been grappling with an ongoing illness for over a week, with symptoms worsening during games. Coach Sheldon Keefe refrained from commenting earlier on Tuesday about whether Matthews is also nursing an undisclosed injury alongside his sickness.
Keefe emphasized that the final decision on Matthews’ availability would be made by the Leafs’ team doctors. He stated, “He’s working through things to try to make himself available to play. No determination at this time.”
Before the team’s optional morning skate at TD Garden, Matthews was seen skating briefly, spending around 10 minutes doing light drills with assistant coaches before leaving. This was his first time on the ice since being withdrawn by team doctors before the third period of Game 4 on Saturday.
Matthews toughed it out through his illness in Game 3 and played the first two periods of Game 4 before being sidelined. In his absence, Max Domi took up Matthews’ top-line position, with William Nylander moving to the second line. Domi also filled in on the power play, which has struggled, going 1-for-11 in the playoffs thus far.
Additionally, there was a change in goal for Game 5, with Joseph Woll taking over from Ilya Samsonov. Samsonov, who had started all four previous games against Boston, was replaced by Woll for the third period of Game 4 after conceding three goals on 16 shots.
Woll, who had a decent regular season as Samsonov’s backup, is getting his first playoff start after having a taste of postseason action last year. Leafs forward Ryan Reaves expressed confidence in Woll, describing him as “pretty steady” and stating that the team is behind him.
Keefe emphasized the need for improvement in special teams and goaltending following Monday’s practice. Boston has stuck with Jeremy Swayman for most of the series, and he’s been formidable, posting impressive stats. The Bruins’ power play has also been effective, posing a challenge for the Leafs.
