The Toronto Maple Leafs have been in a position to stave off elimination and compelled a Recreation 7 with a 2-1 win in opposition to the Boston Bruins on Thursday. When the group takes the ice for Recreation 7 on Saturday, it is fairly potential they will be lacking their star middle but once more.

In accordance with a report from The Athletic, Matthews is unlikely to play in Recreation 7. Nonetheless, the group is taking a “day-by-day strategy” with Matthews, and he is but to be dominated out for Saturday’s series-deciding contest.

Matthews has missed every of the final two video games after being compelled to go away Recreation 4. Matthews performed by way of the sickness in Recreation 3, and he tried to energy by way of as soon as once more in Recreation 4 however wasn’t in a position to take action.

The Maple Leafs star has appeared on the ice all through the previous few days. He was seen collaborating in drills previous to Recreation 5.

Even with out Matthews, the Maple Leafs have battled again to tie the collection at 3-3 and arrange Saturday’s Recreation 7. 

In Recreation 6, Maple Leafs ahead William Nylander rose to the event and put the group on his again in one other must-win state of affairs. Nylander scored a pair of objectives, together with slipping a shot on the breakaway by way of goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s five-hole. These marked the primary factors for Nylander within the collection after he missed the primary three video games as a consequence of damage.

Winger Matthew Knies has additionally been extraordinarily productive regardless of Matthews’ absence. Knies offered the first help on Nylander’s breakaway objective to place Recreation 6 out of attain, whereas additionally netting the extra time game-winner in Recreation 5.