Why isn't Auston Matthews playing in Game 6? NHL insider provides latest update on Leafs star's illness

Auston Matthews, the cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs offense, will be absent for Game 6 of their playoff series against the Boston Bruins.

NHL insider Chris Johnston initially shared the news on X (formerly Twitter).

"Auston Matthews is out for Game 6, per Sheldon Keefe."

Emily Kaplan, another NHL insider, provided further insight into Matthews' absence.

"I want to clarify a bit based on things I've learned," Kaplan said. "This is very typical of an NHL team not to reveal injury information, especially during the playoffs.

"Auston Matthews did in fact have an illness and was playing through it. While he was playing through it, something happened in conjunction with that illness, and that's what's keeping him out... It's more significant than the illness.

"He did skate today, but from the information that I got, it is unlikely we will see him in Game 6."

Maple Leafs defied the odds to secure 2-1 win without Auston Matthews in Game 5

In a crucial Game 5 against Boston, the Toronto Maple Leafs secured a 2-1 victory in overtime, with Matthew Knies scoring the winning goal assisted by John Tavares.

Standout performances from Knies, Jake McCabe, and Joseph Woll helped cut Boston's lead to 3-2.

Knies credited Tavares for creating the scoring opportunity,

“I kind of just found my stick and was fortunate to bury that one and send us back home," Knies said.

Ilya Lyubushkin, Max Domi, and Mitch Marner all assisted, while Trent Frederic scored Boston's only goal.

With Game 6 looming, Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe accepted the challenges ahead.

“The aggression, the assertiveness that we played from the start. We didn’t feel sorry for ourselves,” Keefe said. "We didn’t mail it in. We went out and tried to take charge of the hockey game in the first period.”