What looked obvious this morning with Matthews skating with other injured Leafs was confirmed by Keefe following the optional skate. Matthews will be out of the lineup tonight as the Leafs take on the Flyers in Toronto. The Leafs have not specified whether the injury is upper or lower body, but given the time of year and that teams target those areas in the playoffs when injuries are announced, it is a smart decision.
That means we will see Tavares play between Bunting and Marner once again while Kerfoot, Engvall and Nylander will likely be the second line. The Leafs are 5-1-1 without Matthews in the lineup this season and against the lowly Flyers, the Leafs should be able to collect another 2 points to get closer to securing home ice in round 1.
In addition to the update on Matthews, Keefe also said that Muzzin is also making progress and both he and Matthews will join the team on their road trip down to Florida for games against the Panthers and Lightning. This is surprising, given the fact that Muzzin looked very uncomfortable during Tuesday's skate with the injured Leafs.
Rasmus Sandin and Ondrej Kase will remain in Toronto to continue to rehab with the strength and conditioning team. It won't be a surprise to see one or both of Matthews and Muzzin back in the lineup near the end of the week. Less so, Matthews as he continues his chase for 60 goals and a second straight Rocket Richard trophy.
