Surprising turn of events concerning Auston Matthews ahead of game 7

With a huge game happening for both teams tonight, there's some optimism that Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs may be able to play in game 7 of his team's first-round 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Boston Bruins.

As noted by several reporters, Matthews was on the ice ahead of the Maple Leafs morning skate, a positive sign that he just might be able to suit up for game 7.

Matthews has played in parts of four of the six games of the first-round series against Boston so far, but has not played since April 28, when he logged just over 14 minutes of ice time. All the Maple Leafs will say is he is suffering from "an illness."

Despite Matthews' presence, Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman has already gauranteed a win for his team tonight.

There has been no announcement from the Toronto Maple Leafs on whether Matthews will actually play in game 7. Chances are we'll have to wait until just before the game starts to find that out.