Matthews 'a good bet' to return for Game 7 against Bruins
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It appears Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews is in line to return for Saturday's Game 7 against the Bruins, according to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston.
"It sounds like Auston Matthews is a good bet to return to the #leafs lineup for Game 7 tonight in Boston," Johnston posted on social media early Saturday evening, just over two hours before puck drop.
Matthews skated with his teammates on Saturday morning, marking the fifth straight day he hit the ice.
The six-foot-three superstar participated in his first full skate with the club since the Maple Leafs' 3-1 Game 4 loss on April 27.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe added that the players that played during Games 5 and 6 are preparing to play again in Game 7 in case Matthews isn't ready to go.
Toronto has won two straight games without Matthews to keep their season alive, with William Nylander playing the role of hero with two goals in Game 6.
Matthews was ruled out of the team's 2-1 victory on Thursday morning after skating with injured forward Bobby McMann well ahead of the team session.
The 26-year-old centre has not player since being pulled from the team's Game 4 loss due to illness.
Johnston reported Tuesday that Matthews is believed to be dealing with an injury in addition to the illness confirmed by the Maple Leafs. Keefe said prior to Game 5 that Matthews was doing everything he could to play, but the decision would ultimately fall into the hands of the team doctors.
Matthews has a goal and three points in the playoffs after scoring 69 goals to win the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in the regular season.
McMann, who hasn't played since suffering a lower-body injury on April 13, was also on the ice Saturday morning.