Auston Matthews' fate has been confirmed for game 5

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a crucial game five against the Boston Bruins tonight, aiming to avoid elimination. However, they'll be without their top center, Auston Matthews.

NHL insider Chris Johnston revealed that Matthews didn't arrive with the team at TD Garden, strongly suggesting he won't play tonight. Matthews has been battling illness and an undisclosed injury, which kept him out of the third period in the previous game.

Matthews was not part of the bud arrival to TD Garden tonight, per Chris Johnston on OverDrive.

He is not likely to play tonight. #LeafsForever

Johnston and Leafs reporter Jonas Siegel discussed Matthews's situation in an article for The Athletic, indicating he's unlikely to be fit for tonight's game.

New, for @TheAthletic with @jonassiegel: While the #leafs haven't officially ruled Auston Matthews out of Game 5, he's unlikely to be healthy enough to play tonight with their season on the line.

Matthews has been battling an illness and was forced to sit out the third period of Saturday's Game 4 against the Boston Bruins. According to sources, he is also believed to be nursing an undisclosed injury, which made it more likely than not that he wouldn't be able to play Tuesday with the Leafs trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Fellow NHL insider Emily Kaplan confirmed Matthews's absence, suggesting it's more than just a typical illness keeping him out of such a crucial match.

No Auston Matthews tonight for the Maple Leafs.

Team is saying illness, feels like something more significant to keep a star player out of a potential elimination game.

Previously on PuckReporter

Vancouver Canucks announce starting goaltender for game 5

Chris Johnston leaks new details regarding Matthews and his health

Brad Marchand caught breaking NHL rule against the Toronto Maple Leafs

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30 AVRIL \| 792 ANSWERS Auston Matthews' fate has been confirmed for game 5 Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will keep their season alive tonight, or will the Boston Bruins end the series?
Toronto will win	584	73.7 %
Boston will win	208	26.3 %
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