Auston Matthews opts out of morning skate ahead of Game 3

As the NHL Playoffs heat up, the decision for Matthews to skip the on-ice session could be strategic, considering his incredible performance this season where he racked up 69 goals and a total of 107 points.

Matthews' decision to rest comes at a crucial time as the Maple Leafs prepare to face the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. This season, Matthews has been a key player for Toronto, and his goal-scoring prowess was highlighted when he scored the game-winning goal in Game 2.

This choice to rest could be seen as a calculated move to ensure Matthews is in peak condition for the playoffs, underscoring the intense demands of the NHL postseason and the strategic decisions teams must make to balance player health with competitive needs. As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on Matthews to see if this rest period helps him maintain his high level of play and lead his team deep into the Stanley Cup chase.