Leafs' Auston Matthews (illness) game-time decision vs. Caps

Field Level Media|published: Thu 28th March, 13:39 2024

Mar 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. credits: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews will be a game-time decision for Thursday's game against the visiting Washington Capitals due to an illness.

"It's going to be on how he feels throughout the day," Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said of Matthews, who did not participate in the team's morning skate.

Matthews, 26, extended his point streak to five games (four goals, seven assists) by scoring his NHL-leading 59th goal of the season during Toronto's 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. The 2021-22 Hart Trophy recipient also has 34 assists and 93 points in 70 games this season.

The Maple Leafs (40-22-9, 89 points) have lost two in a row and four of their last six games heading into Thursday's contest versus the Capitals (36-26-9, 81 points).

—Field Level Media