Toronto Maple Leafs fans were dealt a tough blow as star player Auston Matthews will miss his second consecutive playoff game. The team is facing elimination in their series against the Montreal Canadiens.
Matthews, who has been dealing with a wrist injury, was unable to play in Game 4 and will also be absent for Game 5. This comes as a major setback for the Maple Leafs, who are down 3-1 in the series and in desperate need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The 23-year-old center has been a key player for the Maple Leafs this season, scoring 41 goals in 52 games and leading the team to a first-place finish in the North Division. His absence has been felt on the ice, as the Maple Leafs have struggled to find their offensive rhythm without him.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed disappointment in Matthews’ absence, stating that he is a “big part of our team” and that they will miss his presence on the ice. However, he also acknowledged that the team needs to focus on the players who are available and find a way to win without their star player.
This is not the first time Matthews has dealt with an injury during the playoffs. Last year, he played through a wrist injury in the qualifying round against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it ultimately affected his performance and the Maple Leafs were eliminated.
It is unclear when Matthews will be able to return to the lineup, but the team is hopeful that he will be back for Game 6 if they are able to extend the series. In the meantime, the Maple Leafs will have to rely on their depth and resilience to keep their playoff dreams alive.
The absence of Matthews is a major blow for the Maple Leafs, but they are not giving up without a fight. Game 5 against the Canadiens will be a crucial test for the team, and they will need to come together and play their best hockey to avoid elimination.
