Toronto Maple Leafs fans can breathe a sigh of relief as star forward Auston Matthews is set to return for the crucial Game 7 matchup against the Boston Bruins. Matthews, who leads the NHL in goal-scoring, missed the last two games due to an unspecified illness. His presence on the ice could be a game-changer for the Maple Leafs, who are deadlocked in a 3-3 tie with the Bruins in the first-round series.
Matthews, who netted an impressive 69 goals during the regular season, will be a key player to watch in the upcoming showdown. His absence in Games 3 and 4 was noticeable, with just four shots on goal combined. However, his clutch performance in Game 2, where he scored the winning goal, underscores his importance to the team.
On the goaltending front, Toronto will be without Joseph Woll for Game 7 due to an injury sustained in the previous game. In his place, Ilya Samsonov will take over the goaltending duties. Samsonov, who started the first four games of the series, faced a tough challenge as Toronto fell behind 3-1. Despite being pulled in Game 4 after conceding three goals on 17 shots, Samsonov will have another opportunity to make an impact in the series decider.
The Maple Leafs are facing a familiar foe in the Bruins, meeting them in the first round of the playoffs for the third time in seven years. The Bruins have emerged victorious in the previous two encounters, adding an extra layer of intensity to the current matchup.
With a Game 7 record of 12-14, Toronto will look to improve their performance in do-or-die situations. On the other hand, the Bruins boast a 15-15 record in Game 7s, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between the two rivals.
After outscoring the Bruins 4-2 in Games 5 and 6, the Maple Leafs will aim to carry that momentum into the decisive Game 7. The outcome of this high-stakes clash will not only determine the fate of both teams in the playoffs but also add another chapter to the storied rivalry between Toronto and Boston.
Sources: AP NHL playoffs and AP NHL
