Flyers vs. Maple Leafs Tuesday NHL injury report, odds, pick: League goal-scoring leader Auston Matthews out again
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without superstar Auston Matthews for a second straight game.
loading...
loading...
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't catching the Florida Panthers for the Atlantic Division title, but the Leafs still have plenty to play for in the final few games of the regular season: Second place in the division and home-ice advantage for at least the first round of the playoffs. Star Auston Matthews has individual goals to play for as well, but Toronto will sit him for a second straight game Tuesday. Caesars Sportsbook oddsmakers don't much care as the Leafs are massive -450 favorites against the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.
Matthews leads the league with 58 goals, four ahead of second-place Leon Draisaitl of Edmonton. Matthews already has set a career high and franchise record but surely would love to join the exclusive club of 60-goal scorers. The last player to reach that mark was Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos right on 60 in 2011-12.
The Leafs aren't saying what Matthews' injury is and obviously it's much more important for him to be 100 percent healthy for the postseason. The Maple Leafs are 5-1-0 without Matthews this season.
"We're not just resting Auston in this case," Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said. "He's got an injury that maybe he could play through but that doesn't make sense to do so. It just speaks to the fact that we are looking bigger picture here. We've got individual accomplishments, team accomplishments in the regular season. We're mindful of them and they're important in their own way, but the ultimate goal is for us to be ready to compete come playoff time. That's what it's all about."
Also out again tonight is defenseman Jake Muzzin (14 points), but he and Matthews will travel with the club on its upcoming road trip. The Leafs shouldn't need those two to beat the Flyers, one of the NHL's worst teams and which has already shut down numerous players for the year – including No. 1 netminder Carter Hart.
Philly enters on a five-game skid, allowing at least four goals in each and losing by at least two in four of the five. Don't expect a power-play goal from the Flyers tonight. Since the All-Star break, they have converted just 8-for-92 with the man advantage, a scant 8.7 percent. The Flyers also rank 30th with 11 shorthanded goals allowed, while Toronto leads the NHL with 13 shorthanded goals scored.
Toronto is 2-0 in the season series, winning both in Philadelphia. Matthews totaled a goal and two assists.
Free NHL pick: Under 7 goals w/out Matthews
Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp plays on the total, and props you can take straight to the pay window? Join Jonathan Coachman on the Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview the day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short, sweet and to put some green in your pocket. Early Edge is in your feed every single day by 11 a.m. ET. Subscribe right here on YouTube to watch daily, plus don't miss the Early Edge specials and live shows!