Photo credit: Reuters
Leafs bad luck continues as Matthews misses second straight practice
The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing numerous challenges against the Boston Bruins. The trend continues as Auston Matthews misses his second straight practice.
Maple Leafs star center Auston Matthews missed practice on Friday, labeled as a "maintenance day" by the team.Auston Matthews won't participate in today's #Leafs practice for what the team is calling a maintenance day. He played through an illness on Wednesday night.
TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston revealed that Matthews played through an illness during Game 3. Despite this, he has managed one goal and two assists in the postseason, all occurring during a Game 2 victory in Boston.
"The Leafs should also have top-line center Auston Matthews back in better health after he played through an illness during Wednesday's 4-2 loss. That explains why he was the only regular to miss the morning skate at Scotiabank Arena — opting instead for more rest — and helps account in part for a night when he didn't look like his usual explosive self though still logging another 23-plus minutes."
Looking ahead to Game 4, The Athletic discussed the Leafs' improved chances with Matthews expected to be in better health after playing through illness in Game 3. His absence from the morning skate was attributed to his need for rest, which affected his performance despite logging over 23 minutes of ice time.
With an extra day to recover before Game 4, the Leafs are optimistic about Matthews and Nylander returning to full strength.
Matthews' impact was evident in Game 2, but the Bruins' tough defense posed challenges for him in Game 3. Despite the setback, the Leafs remain hopeful for a strong performance in the upcoming game.
| POLL | ||
April 26 | 878 answers Leafs bad luck continues as Matthews misses second straight practice Do you think William Nylander and Auston Matthews will play in game 4 against the Boston Bruins? | ||
| Yes, both will play | 607 | 69.1 % |
| Only Matthews | 131 | 14.9 % |
| Only Nylander | 85 | 9.7 % |
| Neither will play | 55 | 6.3 % |
| LIST OF POLL | ||
Latest 10 stories
TOP 5
| LEADERS | ||||||||
| GP | G | A | PTS | |||||
| 1- NIKITA KUCHEROV | 81 | 44 | 100 | 144 | ||||
| 2- NATHAN MACKINNON | 82 | 51 | 89 | 140 | ||||
| 3- CONNOR MCDAVID | 76 | 32 | 100 | 132 | ||||
| 4- ARTEMI PANARIN | 82 | 49 | 71 | 120 | ||||
| 5- DAVID PASTRNAK | 82 | 47 | 63 | 110 | ||||
| 6- AUSTON MATTHEWS | 81 | 69 | 38 | 107 | ||||
| 7- LEON DRAISAITL | 81 | 41 | 65 | 106 | ||||
| 8- MIKKO RANTANEN | 80 | 42 | 62 | 104 | ||||
| 9- J.T. MILLER | 81 | 37 | 66 | 103 | ||||
| 10- WILLIAM NYLANDER | 82 | 40 | 58 | 98 | ||||
| 2023-2024 LEADERS | ||||||||
FOLLOW US
 | |
| 91 033 followers | |