Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Faces Playoff Challenge with Injury

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Toronto Maple Leafs‘ star center Auston Matthews skipped Sunday’s morning skate due to an undisclosed upper-body injury, joining a growing list of notable absentees. Matthews, who scored a career-low 33 goals this season and has only two in nine playoff games, has been struggling to find his form.

“He’s our captain. He’s our leader, and he’s been an incredible player for us,” said durable defenceman Chris Tanev. “I expect him to be the same tonight. He’s gonna show up and be great for us.” Matthews has been pulling heavy minutes in the series against the Florida Panthers, averaging over 23 minutes of ice time and holding a solid faceoff success rate of 57 percent.

Despite his contributions, Matthews’ goal-scoring prowess is missing. His shooting percentage has plunged to just 6.3 percent in the playoffs after being a career 15.8 percent shooter. Moreover, he leads all playoff players with 20 missed nets. “I’m not too worried about him,” said linemate Matthew Knies. “He’s doing the right things. He’s getting looks.”

Head coach Craig Berube expressed confidence in Matthews but acknowledged the need to hit the net. “He’s not trying to miss the net. He’s trying to hit the net,” Berube said, dismissing concerns about Matthews not scoring.

As the series unfolds, Matthews is tasked with facing more physical play from Florida’s Anton Lundell, as Panthers coach Paul Maurice aims for increased production from key players like Aleksander Barkov. Despite his struggles, Matthews has been effective defensively, ranking high among forwards for blocked shots.

“He’s playing all over the ice extremely well,” winger Max Pacioretty noted. “It’s not about looking at the stat sheet and the goal column. It’s about doing the little things to help the team win.”

Looking ahead, the Panthers are wary of Matthews’ potential. “He’s got the puck on his stick, I’m not feeling very good about it behind the bench,” remarked Maurice.

In other news, Maple Leafs’ Tanev has been a standout on the ice despite taking a barrage of hits, with statistics showing he absorbed 71 hits in just nine playoff games. “The head of the snake back there,” Tkachuk said about Tanev, who leads by example on the ice.

As the Maple Leafs prepare for Game 4 later tonight, the coaching staff and players remain optimistic about Matthews’ ability to bounce back and make a significant impact despite the challenges he faces.