Friedman unveils the true reason behind Auston Matthews's absence

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman made a significant revelation on national TV regarding Auston Matthews' absence from Game 5 against the Boston Bruins.

Friedman suggested that Matthews' situation may not be solely due to illness, as an illness typically wouldn't persist for this long. He hinted at the possibility of another issue emerging, possibly related to the fallout from the illness or an injury.

"Recognizing that these are the playoffs and we're not going to know exactly what happened until it's over, I don't think this is [illness related]. An illness doesn't last like this, so I think something else developed in the aftermath, whether it be something the fallout from that or an injury - obviously we're not going to know before the Maple Leafs finish their run, but I don't believe that this is the illness [that is keeping Matthews out of the lineup for Game 5]."

Friedman's statement implies that there could be more to Matthews' absence than initially disclosed, and the true reason behind Matthews' situation may come to light following the end of the Maple Leafs post-season.

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