Keefe says Matthews was pulled by the doctor due to his illness

PUBLICATION

Julien Trekker
April 28, 2024 (9:34)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that Auston Matthews was pulled by the doctor in the third period due to his ongoing illness.

Watching the past few games, it's easy to see that Matthews hasn't been at 100%, and it culminated last night, when the medical unit had to remove him from the game.

The coach made this massive revelation in his press conference, following yet another tough loss for the Leafs.

"Sheldon Keefe says Auston Matthews was pulled by the doctor due to the illness he's been dealing with."

Many people thought that with the extra day to prepare between game 3 and 4, Matthews would have time to recover, but unfortunately, that's not what happened.

The Bruins had it easy; without Matthews, the Leafs' offensive depth take a solid hit. However, they managed to capitalize, and things ended up turning their way.

If Matthews had been healthy, the series probably wouldn't be where it is now. A 3-1 deficit isn't what the Leafs wanted. Their bad fortune in the first round is still there, despite finally reaching the second round last year against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Leafs will face elimination on Tuesday, in Boston, and they'll hope to see the Bruins crash like they did last year against the Florida Panthers.

POLL
AVRIL 28 \| 1899 ANSWERS Keefe says Matthews was pulled by the doctor due to his illness Do you think the Leafs would lead the series if Auston Matthews had been healthy?
Yes	628	33.1 %
No	1271	66.9 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 4, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) during a stop in play against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

5 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

40-Goal Scorer Linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs in New Report, per Insider

May 21, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving listens to a question during a media conference to introduce new head coach Craig Berube (right) at Ford Performance Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

6 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Brad Treliving and Maple Leafs Urged to Make a Push for Star Free Agent Defenseman

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Auston Matthews Breaks Silence on Heartbreaking Four Nations Finals Loss to Team Canada

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Trolls Reporter Over Absurd 4 Nations Final Question

Former NHL player turned analyst Paul Bissonnette walks through the crowd at an unidentified NHL event. Mandatory Credit: Ben Jackson/NHL.com

10 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Paul Bissonnette Rips Into Americans for Disgraceful Behavior After Four Nations Loss to Canada

Jan 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) congratulate Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) after his goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

12 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Matthews and Marner's Game Status Officially Revealed - Full Projected Lineup vs. the Hurricanes

Feb 1, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty (67) waits for the play to begin against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images