This could very well be the Leafs playing mind games with the Flyers, but it's unlikely. Matthews is currently sitting at 58 goals and has a 4-goal lead over Leon Draisaitl in the Rocket Richard Trophy race. The past couple games, the Leafs have been feeding Matthews at every chance they can to help him hit 60. He is looking to become just the third player to reach 60 in the modern era, joining only Stamkos and Ovechkin.
Unfortunately, the chase for 60 will have to wait another game, but at this point in the season Keefe has been vocal about making sure the team is as healthy as possible going into the playoffs. So if the injury continues to linger with Matthews, expect him to miss more time, until it's manageable.
We will know more at the start of practice in a couple hours but for now it looks like Tavares will once again be skating with Bunting and Marner.
POLL | ||
19 AVRIL | 344 ANSWERS Matthews takes to the ice ahead of Leafs practice; will he play or will he sit another game? Should the Leafs hold Matthews out until he's 100%? | ||
Yes | 236 | 68.6 % |
No | 57 | 16.6 % |
He needs to hit 60 goals | 51 | 14.8 % |
List of polls |