NHL Insider reveals Auston Matthews is facing an undisclosed injury

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Hunter Bowman
May 2, 2024 (5:47 PM)

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Auston Matthews absence has become a focal point as the Maple Leafs prepare for a critical home game against the Boston Bruins. Despite the home ice advantage, Toronto will face this challenge without their key player.

Matthews, who sat out the end of Game 4 and all of Game 5 due to illness, is expected to miss another crucial matchup. TSN's Chris Johnston suggests that there's more to the story than just a simple illness. According to Johnston, Matthews has not been able to participate in practice, hinting at a more serious issue.

"What is known is that the 26-year-old played through illness in Games 3 and 4 of the series before suffering an injury on an innocuous hit while playing sick, according to the sources. Team doctors removed Matthews from the lineup during the second intermission of Game 4 and he's been unable to participate in a full team skate since."

Further speculation arises from earlier reports and fan observations linking Matthews' condition to a specific hit he took during the regular season, which may have exacerbated his health problems.

«This has gotta be where Auston Matthews got hurt , collided with fkn Nylander and hits the back of his head on the boards. Looking back could easily be a concussion. Meaningless fkn game and now we don't have him for the playoffs»

While the exact details and timing of the injury remain unclear, the situation appears to be more complex than initially thought, casting doubt on Matthews' return this season.

Source: Bladeofsteel
Chris Johnston reveals what's happening with Auston Matthews