Auston Matthews does not attend Leafs’ morning skate, will play Game 4

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews did not attend Sunday’s morning skate, but will play Game 4 against the Florida Panthers.

David Kampf took Matthews’ place on Toronto’s first line alongside Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner at Sunday’s skate. Matthews was the lone regular absent from the skate, in what may be an effort to manage his workload during the playoffs. Nick Robertson, Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers were the extra skaters on Sunday morning.

The 27-year-old played 24:35 during Game 3, recording two primary assists as the Maple Leafs lost 5-4 in overtime. Matthews has recorded two goals and 10 points in nine playoff contests this year, after finishing the regular season with 33 goals and 78 points in 67 contests. Toronto has outscored opponents 10-3 when Matthews has been on the ice at 5-on-5 during the playoffs. It’s clear that the Maple Leafs aren’t concerned about his lack of goal scoring, as he’s been excellent in all facets of the game.

“He’s playing all over the ice extremely well. As a teammate, that’s what you notice first and foremost,” Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty said of Matthews on Saturday. “He’s creating a lot of chances. For us in the room, it’s not about looking at the stat sheet and the goal column. It’s about what you do all over the ice.”

“I think he’s doing the right things, he’s getting good looks,” forward Matthew Knies said. “On the first goal (on Friday), he got a good tip there, but it just hit the post. Little things like that. He’s doing the right things, getting chances and it’s bound to fall for him.”