Toronto Maple Leafs: Playoffs Record Without Auston Matthews

Maple Leafs win Game 5 without Auston Matthews, sparking debate on whether they are better off without him. Game 6 awaits.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, a Hart Trophy winner and the only player in the salary cap era to score 69 goals in a regular season, has been absent from the lineup as the team faces elimination in the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Boston Bruins. Despite speculation surrounding his absence, the Maple Leafs managed to secure an impressive 2-1 overtime victory in Game 5 without Matthews on the ice.

The question now arises: Could the Maple Leafs actually be better without Matthews in the lineup? Let's delve into the numbers to find out. According to Sportsnet statistics, the Maple Leafs have a 36-19-2 record without Matthews in the lineup, boasting a .631 win percentage after Game 5. Interestingly, Tuesday night's game marked the first playoff game Matthews has missed in his NHL career, which began in 2016-17.

In Matthews' absence, players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, and Mitch Marner stepped up to fill the gap. Marner played over 21 minutes, while Domi logged nearly 19 minutes, and captain John Tavares saw an increase in ice time. The overtime hero, Matthew Knies, also saw an uptick in minutes, showcasing the depth of the Maple Leafs' lineup.

As the Maple Leafs head into Game 6, the narrative shifts to Matthews' potential return and how his presence could impact the team's performance. With intriguing storylines surrounding both teams and the historical rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Bruins, all eyes will be on Game 6 to see if Matthews' return will disrupt the momentum Toronto gained in Game 5.