Auston Matthews Skips Toronto Maple Leafs Practice and Elicits Some Major Concerns

Auston Matthews is the captain of the Maple Leafs and if they want to close out this series against the Ottawa Senators, they are going to need him to be on point.

Throughout the season, it has been common knowledge that he has dealt with a nagging injury that hasn't allowed him to score goals at a rapid rate.

Even in the playoffs, he has five points in four games but just one goal to show for it, which has certainly elicited a few concerns about his health and his clutch ability.

Today, the Maple Leafs had a practice prior to Game 5 which goes on Tuesday in Toronto. Prior to players stepping on the ice, it was revealed by Luke Fox of Sportsnet that Matthews would be out for rest.

Of course, this immediately raised some red flags due to the fact that Matthews has missed quite a bit of time this season due to his injury.

However, it was made clear that Matthews will play tomorrow against the Senators. Furthermore, David Kampf was the stand in on his line with Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies.

Tuesday's Game 5 is going to be nerve-racking for Maple Leafs fans as they have seen this team give up leads before.

Blowing a 3-0 lead seems beyond the pale even for this Leafs squad, however, you can never be so sure. If there is one thing Leafs fans know how to do, it is panic.

Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can realistically finish this series off Tuesday. If Matthews has a big game, then chances are its over.

Hopefully, the fans get what they want and the Leafs can prepare themselves for the Tampa Bay Lightning or the Florida Panthers.