There are still question marks about the availability of Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews ahead of a must-win Game 6 against the Boston Bruins.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters that the three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner participated in the team skate on Wednesday afternoon, but has no update on his status otherwise.
Matthews, 26, did not participate in Tuesday’s overtime victory as he recovers from an illness that also took him out of the third period of Game 4.
“Not one of those run-of-the-mill, everyday type of illnesses that sort of come and go,” Keefe said following Game 4. “This one has lingered and the effects have lingered and gotten worse when he’s getting on the ice and asserting himself.
“We’ve just got to manage that and give him the time that he needs. We’re hopeful that it’ll turn.”
In four games against the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series, Matthews has a goal and two assists, each coming in the Maple Leafs’ Game 2 victory in Boston.