Matthews’ illness continues as the desperate Maple Leafs try to stay alive

By means of Canadian Press

April 28, 2024 | 12:50 pm

TORONTO – Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews has been sidelined with an “ongoing illness” as Toronto eyes elimination from the playoffs.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe provided an update on the sharpshooter’s status Sunday afternoon, about 14 hours after watching his team fall 3-1 to Boston in a disastrous home game.

The Bruins now lead the Original Six matchup 3-1 and can close things out on Tuesday at TD Garden. Game 6, if necessary, would be back in Toronto on Thursday.

Keefe said Matthews has been felled by more than a “run-of-the-mill” illness, adding that the symptoms worsen when the 26-year-old asserts himself on the ice.