Leafs' Auston Matthews skates briefly, game-time call for Game 5

Field Level Media|published: Tue 30th April, 13:25 2024

Apr 24, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) get set for a face-off against the Boston Bruins in game three of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. credits: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews skated briefly on Tuesday morning, however his availability remains in question for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the host Boston Bruins.

"He's working through things to try to make himself available to play. No determination at this time," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said of Matthews, who is dealing with an illness.

Matthews did not play in the third period of Toronto's 3-1 loss in Game 4 on Saturday. He played just 14:16 and recorded a shot on goal and two hits before exiting for the Maple Leafs, who trail 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Matthews had a goal and two assists in Toronto's 3-2 win in Game 2. However, he managed just four shots on goal over the next two games, both losses.

Matthews, 26, recorded career bests in goals (69) and points (107) in the 2023-24 season.

A 2021-22 Hart Trophy winner, Matthews has 649 points (368 goals, 281 assists) in 562 career games since being selected by the Maple Leafs with the top overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft.

—Field Level Media