In a disappointing turn of events for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, it appears that star player Auston Matthews will be unable to take the ice in Game 7 against the Boston Bruins. Matthews has been sidelined for the past two games due to an undisclosed injury, and despite showing signs of progress, coach Sheldon Keefe hinted at his absence from the lineup.

During the morning skate, Matthews participated but was limited to just 15 minutes on the ice and appeared to be physically restricted. The coaching staff refrained from revealing potential line combinations during the drills, further indicating that Matthews' absence is likely.

Nevertheless, the Maple Leafs have proven their ability to win without their star forward earlier in the series. In Games 5 and 6, facing elimination, Toronto emerged victorious against the Bruins. They utilized superb goaltending from Joseph Woll, strong defensive play, timely goals, and disciplined gameplay. Remarkably, the Leafs only took a single penalty in each of the two victories, allowing them to overcome a 3-1 series deficit and triumph in both games with a 2-1 scoreline.

Coach Keefe praised his team's resilience and fighting spirit after their win in Game 6, stating that they refused to accept their fate and instead took charge of the series. This comeback puts them in a position to finish the job and advance to the next round.

With a perfect 3-0 record in games played without Matthews this season, the Leafs have demonstrated their ability to adapt and succeed in his absence. Despite the secretive nature of playoff injuries, details regarding Matthews' ailment remain scarce. It is known, however, that he played through illness in Games 3 and 4 before sustaining an injury from an unassuming hit while battling his illness, according to league sources. The team doctors ultimately removed Matthews from the lineup during the second intermission of Game 4, and he only returned to a full team skate on Saturday morning.

The crucial Game 7 will take place at TD Garden in Boston at 8 p.m. ET. The Leafs face a challenging task as they look to secure their spot in the next round without their leading scorer. Fans are hopeful that the team can draw upon their recent success and rally once again to overcome the Bruins in this decisive game.

As the puck drops tonight, Maple Leafs supporters will anxiously await news regarding Matthews' availability, hoping for a miraculous return.