The Toronto Maple Leafs were forced to face the Boston Bruins without their captain Auston Matthews, but they did well. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins with a 4-0 victory, including three man-advantage goals from one of the NHL’s worst power-play units.

Matthews missed that game with an upper body injury and the Maple Leafs did not I suspect he would be gone for a long time. Even though the injury is not classified as “long-term,” there is still a chance Matthews could miss the Maple Leafs’ weekend games.

According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, Matthews’ status is still uncertain ahead of the Maple Leafs’ back-to-back games.

“I wouldn’t expect Matthews to play on Friday when the Leafs host Detroit,” Johnston said. “They have another game on Saturday against Montreal. “There’s still a chance he gets into that one, but that will be determined on Friday.”

Johnston said it will depend on how Matthews feels on Friday, whether he hits the ice and has an idea of ​​where he is in his recovery. Matthews has apparently been suffering from this injury since training camp, and it may be a reason for his slow start.

In 13 games played, the Maple Leafs superstar scored five goals and six assists for a total of 11 points. That’s pretty good, but nowhere near Matthews’ expectations. He and the Maple Leafs also sport one of the worst power plays in the NHL.

Even after three power play goals against the Bruins, their 14.89% ranks 26th out of 32 teams.

According to Johnston, this specific injury It’s not a wrist issue that has bothered Matthews in the past.

It’s still believed that Matthews won’t be off the ice much longer, but any amount of time one of the game’s best scorers misses is tough for the Maple Leafs.

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