Auston Matthews finally opens up about his injuries in the playoffs

The journey for Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2023-24 Stanley Cup playoffs was a rollercoaster of twists and turns. Finally, on Monday, we received some clarity on what was ailing Matthews physically during their seven-game battle against the Boston Bruins.

Matthews showcased one of his best all-around performances in a Leafs jersey during their Game 2 victory, sealing the win with a breakaway goal. However, it later came to light that he was struggling with an illness.

He was pulled from Game 4 after two periods on doctor's orders, and it was revealed that his mysterious ailment worsened with exertion, as explained by Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. Matthews missed Games 5 and 6, and as talk of illness shifted, it became evident he was also nursing an injury of some sort.

Returning for Game 7, Matthews appeared noticeably slower than usual, starting the game on the third line. Nonetheless, he managed to assist William Nylander's go-ahead goal in the third period before the Leafs squandered their lead and fell to the Bruins in overtime.

After the defeat, Nylander shed light on his own absence due to migraine issues affecting his vision. Matthews chose not to delve into specifics but hinted that details about his ailment would be forthcoming.

On Monday, during the team's locker cleanout day, Matthews revealed that he was dealing with an illness that struck him after Game 2. He was forced out of Game 4 due to a "weird hit" but didn't disclose further details about his injury.

It was a disappointing conclusion to another remarkable season for Matthews. His 69 goals set a new franchise single-season record and tied him for the most goals by any player since 1992-93. Matthews was also named a finalist for the Selke and Lady Byng Trophies, with a potential Hart Trophy nomination on the horizon.

In addition to Matthews's challenges, the Leafs faced the sudden absence of Joseph Woll, who had performed admirably in goal during Games 5 and 6. Despite their efforts, the Leafs suffered their fourth Game 7 loss to the Bruins since 2013. In the Matthews/Mitch Marner era, they've made the playoffs in all eight seasons but have only won a single series, remaining winless in winner-take-all scenarios at 0-6.