A series full of up and downs has culminated into the Toronto Maple Leafs on the brink of elimination from the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Boston Bruins.
The fate of franchise cornerstone, and multiple-time Maurice (Rocket) Richard trophy winner Auston Matthews, who left game four after the second period due to illness, has been confirmed.
Several reports have emerges suggesting Auston Matthews is suffering from a nasty combination of both an illness, and an injury, and thus the Toronto Maple Leafs will be playing without him for game 5.
No determination yet on Auston Matthews' status for Game 5. It'll be the doctor's call.
Keefe declined to answer if there is something beyond just an illness hindering him.
While the #leafs haven't officially ruled Auston Matthews out of Game 5, he's unlikely to be healthy enough to play tonight with their season on the line.
This is heartbreaking news for the Toronto Maple Leafs and fans, as losing Auston Matthews makes things even tougher for them against the red-hot Boston Bruins. It is pretty certain that nobody thought this series would be over in five games.
Nothing is over yet, but without Auston Matthews, there is a steep hill to climb for Sheldon Keefe and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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