According to sources within the league, Auston Matthews seems likely to rejoin the Maple Leafs roster in Game 7.
Matthews was seen arriving early at TD Garden on the first bus carrying players ahead of Game 7. He was absent from Games 5 and 6 due to an undisclosed injury, and at one point, it seemed improbable that he would take part in the Bruins matchup on Saturday.
Although coach Sheldon Keefe mentioned that Matthews is making progress, he indicated that the Leafs were preparing to face the Bruins in a third consecutive possible elimination game without their top performer.
Keefe stated, “At this moment, we are proceeding as usual.”
Matthews participated in the morning skate for Toronto but was only on the ice for a brief 15 minutes, showing signs of physical limitations. No potential line formations were revealed during the team’s drills.
Reports suggest that Auston Matthews is likely to feature in the #leafs lineup for the Game 7 clash in Boston tonight.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 4, 2024
If Matthews returns for Game 7, it would be a significant development for the Maple Leafs, although his effectiveness while not fully fit remains uncertain. Clearly, he is determined to contribute to the team in any capacity.
In Game 2, Matthews played a pivotal role in the Leafs’ victory.
With the secretive nature of teams during the Stanley Cup playoffs, obtaining specific information about Matthews’ condition is challenging.
It is known that the 26-year-old battled through illness in Games 3 and 4 before sustaining an injury from a seemingly harmless hit while playing unwell, according to sources. Team medical staff withdrew Matthews from the lineup during the second intermission of Game 4, and he was unable to join a full team practice until Saturday morning.
Game 7 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston.
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(Photo: Brian Fluharty / USA Today)
Source : theathletic.com