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  • Provides helper in loss
    Matthews recorded an assist, three shots on goal and six hits in Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Bruins in Game 7.

    Advice: Matthews missed Games 5 and 6 with an undisclosed injury, and he was able to play just 17:35 in Game 7. The 26-year-old contributed a helper on William Nylander's tally in the third period, but the Maple Leafs held that lead for just 1:21. Matthews ended the playoffs with four points, 20 shots on net, 25 hits and a plus-2 rating over five appearances. His four-year, $53 million contract extension, which he signed in August of 2023, kicks in next season. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:24 pm
     
  • Good to play in Game 7
    Matthews (illness) will draw into the lineup for Game 7 versus the Bruins on Saturday, per Jonas Siegel of The Athletic.

    Advice: Matthews missed the last two games due to an undisclosed injury, according to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, after exiting Game 4 due to an illness. The 26-year-old forward has a goal, three points and 17 shots in four playoff outings this year. Matthews was immensely important to the Leafs' offense during the regular season, providing 69 goals and 107 points across 81 appearances. He should see time on the top power-play unit even though he will start Saturday's contest alongside Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok at even strength. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 4:53 pm
     
  • Skating Saturday
    Matthews (illness) skated at practice, though his status remains unclear for Saturday's Game 7 against the Bruins, Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com reports.

    Advice: It's the first time Matthews has practiced since he left Game 4 with an illness. He has missed the last two games of the series. Getting Matthews back would be a massive boost for the Leafs in Game 7, though it appears he'll remain a game-time decision for now. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:27 am
     
  • Remains in doubt for Game 7
    Matthews (illness) skated Friday but is still questionable heading into Game 7 against the Bruins on Saturday. Coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters, "There's been progress...but no determination on his availability," per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

    Advice: Matthews' availability almost certainly won't be confirmed until closer to puck drop Saturday, so fantasy players will likely have to take a wait-and-see approach. Despite not having the world-class center in the lineup, Toronto has managed to win back-to-back games to force a Game 7. If cleared to play, Matthews figures to unseat Max Domi on the top line and No. 1 power-play unit. Rotowire.com Friday, 10:39 am
     
  • Not playing Thursday
    Matthews (illness) has been ruled out of the lineup for Thursda's Game 6 versus Boston, per Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun.

    Advice: Matthews was on the ice Thursday for 30 minutes before the morning skate, but he did not participate during regular practice. The superstar center was pulled from action between the second and third periods in Game 4 on Saturday, and he was unable to play in Game 5 on Tuesday. Matthews had a goal and two assists in Game 2, but he has not had a point in any of the three other games in the series. The hope is he will be good to go for Game 7 if Toronto can extend the series with a win Thursday. Rotowire.com Thursday, 8:52 am
     
  • Secures series win
    Georgiev stopped 33 of 36 shots in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Jets in Game 5.

    Advice: Georgiev allowed seven goals in a Game 1 loss, then gave up a total of eight goals over the next four contests to guide the Avalanche to the 4-1 series win. Any questions about his ability to step up in the playoffs have been put to rest now. Georgiev will remain the starter heading into the second round, and he'll get some extra rest while the Avalanche await the winner of the Stars-Golden Knights series. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 10:11 pm
     
  • In goal for Game 5
    Georgiev will guard the road goal in Game 5 versus the Jets on Tuesday, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

    Advice: Georgiev has bounced back after losing Game 1, winning three straight contests to put the Avalanche on the brink of securing the first-round series. He's allowed just five goals on 81 shots during those three straight victories. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 6:15 pm
     
  • Not expected to play in Game 5
    Matthews (illness) is not expected to play in Game 5 versus the Bruins on Tuesday, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports.

    Advice: Matthews had limited participation in Tuesday's morning skate after making an early exit from Game 4. The Maple Leafs will be forced to face elimination without the league's top goal scorer in 2023-24. Look for Max Domi and John Tavares to see larger roles due to Matthews being unavailable. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 3:33 pm
     
  • Awaiting medical clearance
    Matthews (illness) will be a game-time decision for Game 5 against the Bruins on Tuesday. Coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters, "We'll see how the rest of the day goes," per David Alter of The Hockey News.

    Advice: Matthews didn't stay on the ice long during the team's game-day skate, raising doubts regarding his availability. Still, if the 26-year-old California native can get the all-clear from the team doctors, he should immediately reclaim both his top-line and No. 1 power-play roles. By Matthews' standards, he has struggled offensively of late with just one goal in his last six outings. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 8:59 am