Auston Matthews skipped practice prior to Game 5 between the Maple Leafs and Senators.
Toronto Maple Leafs Back in Action for Game 5 Against Ottawa Senators
The Maple Leafs are gearing up for Game 5 of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs on Tuesday, hosting the Ottawa Senators at home. After a nail-biting overtime loss in Ottawa last Saturday, the series stands at 3-1 in favor of Toronto [1][2][3].
Auston Matthews, the Leafs' standout player, did not practice with the team Monday, reportedly taking a much-needed rest day [4]. Despite the absence from practice, Matthews had a massive 26:23 of ice time in Game 4 [1][5], though he failed to register a point for the first time in the series. With four points in the first three games, he's still been a force to reckon with [4][5].
Matthews' rest day could be crucial for his performance in the decisive Game 5. His goal tally and assists in the 2024-25 regular season amounted to an impressive 33 goals and 45 assists across 67 games [4].
As for Game 4, it was a tense match, marking the first time the Maple Leafs outshot the Senators in the series - yet they still emerged with a loss. Their 5-on-5 Corsi for percentage stands at a mere 41.6% [5].
With a win on Tuesday, the Maple Leafs will secure a second-round matchup against either the Tampa Bay Lightning or defending champions, the Florida Panthers [5]. Regardless, it's clear that the Leafs are in a strong position and remain optimistic for their continued playoff journey.
Interesting Fact:Auston Matthews' rest day isn't part of a scheduled maintenance plan for the playoffs. It's expected to be a single Missed Practice Day (MPD) intended purely to ensure he's at the top of his game for the deciding Game 5 [1][2][3].
[1] Sportsnet
[2] Toronto Star
[3] The Globe and Mail
[4] TSN
[5] ESPN
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- As the Maple Leafs head towards the potential second round of the 2025 NHL playoffs, sports fans are also monitoring college football championship prospects, football draft rumors, hockey championship possibilities, football playoff developments, and up-to-date gymnastics competition records.
