The Toronto Maple Leafs received a blow as star player Auston Matthews has been ruled out for Game 6 against the Boston Bruins. This marks the second consecutive game that Matthews will be absent from the lineup, leaving the Maple Leafs to stave off elimination without their leading goal-scorer.

Matthews, who had been the NHL's leading goal-scorer in the 2023-24 season, left the ice in the middle of Game 4 and has not returned to action since. Though he was able to take to the ice prior to Thursday's morning skate, Matthews left before engaging in organized drills with his teammates.

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed to reporters during the morning skate that Matthews will officially be out for Thursday night's crucial Game 6, as reported by Sportsnet. Despite this setback, the Maple Leafs managed to keep their season alive in Game 5, putting up a determined performance that resulted in a 2-1 overtime win in Boston.

In Game 5, goaltender Joseph Woll made his first start of the series and proved to be instrumental in Toronto's victory, making 27 saves, including several crucial stops during overtime. It was Matthew Knies who emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal just 2 minutes and 26 seconds into the extra period.

With their season at stake, the Maple Leafs will now rely on contributions from players like Knies and the entire lineup to force a Game 7. The team is determined to give Matthews another chance to return to action and help them fight for a chance to advance in the playoffs. The pressure is mounting as the Leafs prepare to face the Bruins at Scotiabank Arena in what promises to be a thrilling Game 6.