Keefe explains why Auston Matthews missed the 3rd period in game 4

Sheldon Keefe, the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach, explained why Auston Matthews missed the third period in game 4 against the Boston Bruins.

In his post-game press conference, the coach stated that Matthews had to leave the ice due to his ongoing illness, the same issue that forced him to miss a few practices this week.

The famous insider, Elliotte Friedman, shared the update in a post on X:








If Matthews had been healthy, the series probably wouldn't be 3-1 for the Bruins. However, other players are to blame for failing to step up. While Mitch Marner managed to score a goal last night; luck simply hasn't turned their way.

They made a great effort, but the Bruins' goalie Jeremy Swayman, as well as their defensive unit, did an amazing job at holding the Leafs back. As for the forwards, they were opportunistic and capitalized on the small mistakes, just like they did all series long.

The Leafs will try to avoid the elimination tomorrow, in Boston. As for Auston Matthews, it's hard to predict what'll happen to him. If he's not healthy enough to play, it's hard to imagine a scenario where the Bruins don't reach the second round.

Many fans hope to see Boston fall like they did last year, when they blew a 3-1 lead against the Florida Panthers.

Do you think the Leafs can make a comeback in the series against the Bruins?

Source: Hockey Patrol - Keefe says Matthews was pulled by the doctor due to his illness