Sheldon Keefe provides vital update on Auston Matthews

Matthews was undoubtedly the hero in Game 2 after he not only recorded 2 assists on the team's first 2 goals of the game but claimed the victory after finishing off his breakaway attempt for the game-winning goal in the third period. He also fired 8 shots on goal, played 23:24 TOI, won 16 face-offs, and registered 6 hits and 1 blocked shot.

Heading into Game 3, once again without William Nylander, the Toronto Maple Leafs were hoping for another super-human effort from their former MVP in front of their home fans. Unfortunately he was dealing with flu-like symptoms and while he played 23:16 in Game 3, he looked slightly less super-human as he failed to record a point, only registered 3 shots on goal, and won just 9 face-offs.

Earlier today, a day before a pivotal Game 4, Sheldon Keefe offered up a somewhat positive update on the Maurice Rocket Richard winner:

All signs point to the notion that Matthews should be in the lineup for Game 4, however it might not be at 100%. Fortunately, William Nylander appears set to make a return after missing the first 3 games of the series, which should alleviate some of the offensive burden from their 69-goal scorer.

The Maple Leafs will reconvene tomorrow morning and the hope is that the extra day between games will give Matthews the rest and recharge that he so desperately needs at this juncture of the series. Being down 2 games to 1 and playing at home should render a spirited affair tomorrow night as the Maple Leafs will look to even the series.