Sheldon Keefe reveals why Matthews was absent from practice
Photo credit: The Score
Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews was not present during their morning skate before their game against the Washington Capitals and now head coach Sheldon Keefe has provided us with an update on his status.
According to Keefe, the reason why he was Auston Matthews absent from practice for the Maple Leafs is because he's dealing with an illness.
Sheldon Keefe says Auston Matthews is a game-time decision with an illness
Sheldon Keefe notes that he will be a game-time decision as the Leafs get set to face the Washington Capitals. Matthews, who logged nearly 24 minutes of ice time against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, scored a goal in the 6-3 loss.
He's been on a hot streak, with points in five consecutive games and a total of 93 points this season, including 59 goals and was named the 2nd star of the week.
Matthews, the first overall pick in 2016, is close to breaking his career-best goal record and is just 13 points away from his most productive season.
Defenceman Morgan Rielly also remained absent due to an upper-body injury.
Keefe on Rielly: "He remains day to day. We're hopeful he is going to bounce back. Once he gets through this day or two here, it's not going to be a lingering situation. It's not an injury that's going to be ongoing. Once he's past it, he's past it."
The absence of Matthews during the morning skate suggests he may still play, with Mitch Marner filling in on the top line during practice as an indicator.
As seen on TSN
Matthews (illness) game-time decision vs. Capitals
Matthews (illness) game-time decision vs. Capitals
| POLL | ||
MARS 28 | 63 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe reveals why Matthews was absent from practice Do you think the Maple Leafs can pull off a victory against the Washington Capitals without Rielly, Matthews and Marner? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 54 % |
| No chance | 29 | 46 % |
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