Auston Matthews' 70-goal season at risk; playing status uncertain
Auston Matthews' status for tonight's season finale against the Tampa Bay Lightning is unknown as are the final rosters for both the Leafs and Bolts, which means both teams could play shorthanded.
Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs did everything they could to get Matthews goal number 70 on the season, and while he had a couple of close calls, he remains at 69. Without scoring last night, Matthews' eight-game goal scoring streak came to an end and he may not get the opportunity to score tonight according to head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Following the loss to the Florida Panthers, Keefe was asked about Matthews playing tonight and essentially left us with more questions than answers.
Keefe's comment suggests the Leafs may play with less than a full complement of forwards
The Leafs played last night without Bobby McMann and Max Domi in the lineup due to injuries. At practice on Monday, Keefe revealed it was unlikely either would play until playoffs. Keefe noted that Domi does have a chance to play tonight depending how he feels, but with matchups locked up, it seems highly unlikely that they would risk a more severe injury, which is what Keefe took from last night's game.
Given that the main goal (for the coaching staff) last night and tonight, aside from making minor adjustments is and was to ensure that everyone makes it to the playoffs healthy. As much as his teammates and fans want to see him reach 70 goals, it would be surprising if Matthews dressed tonight. If he doesn't the Leafs may roll a shortened bench with 11 forwards and 6 defensemen or use 11 forwards and 7 blueliners. That will depend on if Keefe wants to rest one of Morgan Rielly, Joel Edmundson, Timothy Liljegren, Jake McCabe and Simon Benoit as Mark Giordano, Conor Timmins and T.J. Brodie all should be in the lineup after sitting yesterday.
Lightning to rest at least one star player tonight
While the Leafs decided if Matthews will play, the Bolts are not taking any chances with Andrei Vasilevskiy. He will be backing up Matt Tomkins for tonight's game. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper also revealed that the Lightning may be forced to play short-handed with the rest of their roster due to injuries.
What type of game should we expect tonight?
Aside from Matthews chasing 70, Nikita Kucherov is also chasing a milestone. Kucherov is one assist shy of reaching 100 on the season. When asked about both milestones Cooper had a great response.
We all know that if Matthews plays, his teammates will be looking for him every opportunity they get and conversely, Kucherov's teammates will likely be trying to find open ice all game to get him that 100th assist. Given that both teams are trying to get healthy, Cooper was asked about the type of game fans could expect and he wasn't exactly sure.
As we have seen in the past, there are regular season finales that carry a playoff-type atmosphere where there is always a scrum or big hit and there are others that resemble the All-Star games where there is absolutely nothing going on and everyone just skates away from everything. Given that the two clubs aren't facing each other in round one this year, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see an All-Star game like intensity tonight.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 17 | 324 ANSWERS Auston Matthews' 70-goal season at risk; playing status uncertain Will Matthews and Kucherov reach their milestones tonight? | ||
| Matthews yes, Kucherov no | 31 | 9.6 % |
| Matthews no, Kucherov yes | 190 | 58.6 % |
| No to both | 38 | 11.7 % |
| Yes to both | 65 | 20.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
