Auston Matthews, the center for the Maple Leafs, is sidelined due to a persistent illness as Toronto faces the threat of playoff elimination. Coach Sheldon Keefe provided an update on Matthews’ condition following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Boston at home. The Bruins currently lead the Original Six series 3-1 and have the opportunity to clinch victory at TD Garden on Tuesday. Keefe mentioned that Matthews is grappling with more than a typical illness, noting that symptoms worsen when he exerts himself on the ice. Despite scoring 69 goals in the season, Matthews struggled visibly in Game 3 and was eventually pulled from the action. The Leafs have faced playoff adversity against the Bruins in the past, notably in 2018 when they won two consecutive games to force a decisive Game 7, which they ultimately lost. Similar outcomes occurred in playoff matchups in 2013 and 2019.
