Matthews takes ‘maintenance day’ ahead of Game 4

Maple Leafs star centre Auston Matthews missed another practice on Friday, but he is expected to be ready to play Game 4 Saturday night against the Boston Bruins.

The team called it a “maintenance day,” although it’s believed Matthews is battling the flu and played through it in Game 3.

“We want to give him every opportunity to be at his best (for Game 4),” said Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. “I just know Auston is going to give us everything that he has. And I would say the same about his game the other night. He played extremely hard and had a couple chances that could have fallen his way. One just off the post comes to mind. Just played really hard and it might have been his most physical game of the series. I mean, if he felt he didn’t have it in other ways, he was trying to impact the game in different spots.”

Daddy’s girl

Defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin posted a picture on Instagram of his newborn daughter. He travelled back to California for the birth and is expected to be in the lineup Saturday for Game 4.

“First make sure he gets back and see how he’s feeling and make a determination from there after a tough couple of days, but exciting at the same time,” Keefe said of Lyubushkin. “I know from his perspective, that’s been understandably on his mind, his family away welcoming a new addition, and have it go seemingly smooth.”

Brodie ready

A sight that’s hard to get accustomed to is seeing veteran defenceman T.J. Brodie among the healthy scratches, along with Mark Giordano and Conor Timmins. But he might get back into action on Saturday, either in place of Lyubushkin or Timothy Liljegren.

“It’s important for him to stay ready,” said Keefe. “Things can change really quickly come playoff time. In Brodie’s case, he played so much in the regular season, he’s got so much experience in the league and, in the playoffs, it’s important that he keeps his mindset right. It’s tough for a guy like him that’s used to playing every day.”

Quick hits

Matthews’ Rocket Richard Trophywinning season will be celebrated Saturday with the release on YouTube of the NHL’s regular season awards show.

The 2024 NHL draft lottery will be held May 7, with the San Jose Sharks having the best chance — 18.5 per cent — to win the first overall pick.

Game 5 in Boston on Tuesday will be a 7 p.m. start.