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Ex-Maple Leafs player opines on what he believes actually happened to Auston Matthews
The absence of star center Auston Matthews has taken center stage in the first-round playoff series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins.
While updates on Matthews' condition have been scarce, former Maple Leafs player Jay Rosehill took to X to offer his perspective on what might be unfolding behind the scenes.
Rosehill suggested that Matthews' absence could be due to a combination of factors, including an illness and an undisclosed injury. He recounted an incident earlier in the season when Matthews crashed into the boards and questioned whether it led to lingering effects.
According to Rosehill, symptoms began to worsen as Matthews continued to play through the discomfort, prompting the team to decide to temporarily shut him down. Although Rosehill stopped short of confirming these details, he indicated that such a scenario would make sense.
"My two cents on Auston Matthews. Had a hard crash into the boards in game 80, was rattled but played through it. As he did, symptoms came up and got worse. They shut him down. Not messing around with a franchise player. Not confirming this but it makes sense," Rosehill shared on X.
Auston Matthews' absence comes at a crucial juncture for the Maple Leafs, who find themselves trailing the Bruins 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. As the team's leading scorer during the regular season, with an impressive 69 goals and 107 points to his name, Matthews' presence on the ice is sorely missed.
Matthews was spotted skating with the team prior to Game 6. However, no official update on his status was provided at the time.
Toronto's hopes now rest on the shoulders of its remaining players as they prepare to defend home ice in Game 6.
Boston Bruins once again have the opportunity to advance in Auston Matthews' absence
The Boston Bruins can clinch the series and advance to the second round with a win in Game 6. They squandered one opportunity in Game 5.
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery is making adjustments to the lineup, bringing Johnny Beecher back to the third line after benching him in Game 5. Beecher's performance on faceoffs will be crucial, especially after Toronto's dominance in that area in their previous matchup. Additionally, Kevin Shattenkirk is expected to replace Matt Grzelcyk on the blue line.
If the Maple Leafs manage to force a Game 7, it will take place on Saturday night at TD Garden.
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