Matthews was absent for what appeared to be a full morning skate.
Matthews was absent for what appeared to be a full morning skate.
After taking a full day away from the ice to travel home, the Toronto Maple Leafs held a full morning skate on Wednesday ahead of their Game 3 matchup against the Boston Bruins.
But there was a notable absence.
Auston Matthews did not participate. Given that it wasn't an optional skate it was notable to see Toronto's top player sit this one out.
Sportsnet Elliotte Friedman was quick to explain why Matthews did not participate.
Keefe later confirmed that there is no issue with Matthews that kept him off the ice.
"Just decided to keep him off (the ice)," Keefe said of Matthews. "He just took the option, he'll be good to go tonight."
With the Maple Leafs into the playoffs, practices and mandatory skates become less frequent than in the regular season. Matthews has certainly earned the right to take a morning off if it's what he needs to be at his best for Game 3.
Matthews scored the game-winning goal as part of a three-point night in a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins on Monday to even up their best-of-seven playoff series at 1-1.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEaj-asOsl8[/embed]
It's expected he'll take his regular spot alongside Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi on the club's top line.
Matthews' play has drawn praise from Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery.
"He’s the most dangerous man on the ice because he’s earned it," Montgomery said on Tuesday.
Matthews finished the 2023-24 season with a Maple Leafs' record 69 goals to win his third Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy, while posting a career-high 107 points in 81 games.
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