‘We believe in our group’: Leafs confident before Game 7 challenge as Auston Matthews’ status remains unclear

Matthews hasn’t played since leaving the game after the second period of Game 4. He had been bothered by an illness since Game 3, but it’s believed something else happened to him to keep him out this long.

The Leafs didn’t allow reporters to see which players took to the Ford Performance Centre ice until towards the end of their optional skate. By then, Matthews was long gone, with just a few of the Black Aces skating around.

The Leafs seemed loose in dealing with the media ahead of flying to Boston for Game 7, having won Games 5 and 6.

“Our confidence is high,” said Keefe. “We believe in our group. I’ve believed in our group all throughout this series and this season. And obviously, you know, our performance in the last two games has earned us even more confidence.

“But it doesn’t change the challenge. The challenge is still significant. These games and this series have been extremely tight and Game 7 certainly will be no different.”