The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing to play their second must-win playoff game without star forward Auston Matthews.
The 26-year-old was not skating with the team on Thursday, but did take to the ice for some work before morning skate with fellow injured forward Bobby McMann, per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.
Matthews was pulled from Game 4 in the second intermission and did not play Game 5 as he recovers from an undisclosed illness.
“Not one of those run-of-the-mill, everyday type of illnesses that sort of come and go,” Keefe said after Game 4. “This one has lingered and the effects have lingered and gotten worse when he’s getting on the ice and asserting himself.
“We’ve just got to manage that and give him the time that he needs. We’re hopeful that it’ll turn.”
In four games against the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series, Matthews has a goal and two assists, each coming in the Maple Leafs’ Game 2 victory in Boston.
The Maple Leafs look to force a Game 7 against their long-time playoff rivals. Watch all the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
