The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to avoid being knocked out and extended the series to a Game 7 by clinching a 2-1 victory against the Boston Bruins on Thursday. As they prepare for the decisive match on Saturday, it’s probable that their top center, Matthews, will once again be absent from the lineup.
A report from The Athletic suggests that Matthews is unlikely to participate in Game 7. However, the team is assessing his condition on a daily basis, leaving open the possibility that he might still feature in Saturday’s crucial game.
Matthews has sat out the last two games following his departure from Game 4 due to an illness. Despite pushing through in Game 3, he couldn’t continue in Game 4.
Despite his absence, Matthews has been seen practicing on the ice in recent days, including before Game 5.
Despite the setback of Matthews’ absence, the Maple Leafs have managed to level the series at 3-3, setting the stage for a tense Game 7 showdown on Saturday.
In Game 6, Maple Leafs forward William Nylander stepped up impressively, carrying the team with two goals, one of which was a breakaway shot that slipped past goaltender Jeremy Swayman. These were Nylander’s first points in the series, having missed the initial three games due to injury.
Winger Matthew Knies has also been highly effective in Matthews’ absence, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Knies provided the crucial assist for Nylander’s breakaway goal in Game 6 and scored the game-winning goal in overtime during Game 5.