Apr 13, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) and center Auston Matthews (34) celebrate their victory against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews was the only skater to miss Toronto Maple Leafs practice on Monday.
The club had the entire full day off the ice on Sunday following their 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series.
"Just rest," Berube said.
Matthews logged 26:23 of ice time on Sunday, but the club practiced as though they fully expect their superstar to be in the lineup for when the series shifts back to Scotiabank Arena for Game 5 on Tuesday.
David Kampf, who has been a healthy scratch for the entire first round, skated in Matthews' place on the top line alongside Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner. If Matthews had not been expected to play, they likely would have moved John Tavares to that spot or made other lineup changes.
So, how was the decision made to keep the captain off the ice on Monday?
"I look at the minutes and played a lot of minutes in the last game. So, you know, it's just a conversation," Berube explained. "I have conversations with guys about it, and if they feel like they need a little more rest, I think it's a good thing."
Matthews is no stranger to taking an extra session off his season. Toronto's captain has been limited to 67 games this season after missing the other contests due to a lingering upper-body issue. Matthews also took part in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.
Marner also took part in the 4 Nations Face-Off and logged more ice time (28:26) than Matthews in Game 4. The skilled forward says he's at full energy.
"After the game you're feeling a little tired, but then you just find ways to recover after games the next day," Marner explained. "Obviously, we've been doing it for a long time, so yeah, that's what I focus on."
Matthews has a goal and four assists in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Woll sick
Joseph Woll was the only other notable absence at practice on Monday. Berube said the goaltender was under the weather. The goaltender did report to Ford Performance Centre on Monday.
Anthony Stolarz had a great start to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but his numbers have fallen over Games 3 and 4. He is 3-1 with a .902 save percentage.
It's a good bet that Stolarz will get the nod for Game 5, but if his performance dips and a Game 6 is necessary, you wonder if the Leafs look for a change in goal.
Woll has a .933 save percentage over seven playoff games.
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