Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews was unable to play in Game 5 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Bruins due to a lingering illness. This absence comes as Toronto trails 3-1 in the best-of-seven series against Boston. Matthews has been battling the illness for over a week, with the symptoms becoming more severe during games.
Coach Sheldon Keefe refrained from disclosing whether Matthews was also dealing with an undisclosed injury in addition to the sickness. Keefe mentioned that the decision of whether Matthews would dress for the game would be left to the team doctors. Despite Matthews working to make himself available to play, no final determination was made at the time. Keefe mentioned that the team would assess the situation as the day progressed.
Before the team’s optional morning skate at TD Garden, Matthews took to the ice for a brief session. He engaged in light drills with assistant coaches for approximately 10 minutes before leaving ahead of the full session. This marked the first on-ice appearance for Matthews since being pulled by team doctors before the third period of Game 4.
With Matthews sidelined, Max Domi was elevated to Matthews’ top-line position, while William Nylander shifted to the second line. Domi also replaced Matthews on the struggling power play unit, which had only converted 1 of 11 opportunities in the playoffs leading up to Game 5.
In addition to Matthews being out, the Leafs opted to switch goaltenders for Game 5, replacing Ilya Samsonov with Joseph Woll. Samsonov had started in all four previous games against Boston but was pulled in Game 4 after allowing three goals on 16 shots. Woll, who saw relief duty in the third period of Game 4, made five saves. Despite his limited playoff experience, Woll was praised by teammates for his steadiness.
Looking ahead to Game 6, Coach Keefe emphasized the need for Toronto to improve on special teams and goaltending in order to extend the series. Boston had found success by sticking with Jeremy Swayman in goal for three out of four games, showcasing a stellar performance with a .956 save percentage and a 1.34 goals-against average. The Bruins’ power play had also been effective, going 6-for-13 in the series leading up to Game 5.
Auston Matthews’ absence from Game 5 due to illness presented challenges for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Boston Bruins. As the team faced a 3-1 series deficit, adjustments in the lineup and goaltending were made in hopes of staying alive in the playoffs. Coach Keefe highlighted the significance of improving special teams play and goaltending performance to compete against a formidable opponent like Boston.
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