No concern for Berube as Matthews absent from Leafs practice

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There was no sign of captain Auston Matthews at Maple Leafs practice on Monday.

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And, from coach Craig Berube, no concern regarding the status of his No. 1 centre.

The Leafs’ explanation is that it was a day of rest for Matthews.

There was nothing to indicate Matthews won’t be in the lineup for Game 5 of the Battle of Ontario on Tuesday, when the Leafs — ahead 3-1 in the best-of-seven series — get another chance to eliminate the Ottawa Senators.

In the Leafs’ 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4 on Saturday, Matthews played 26 minutes 23 seconds. Among Leafs forwards, only Mitch Marner (28 minutes 26 seconds) played more.

“I look at the minutes,” Berube said. “Played a lot of minutes last game. I have conversations with guys about it. They feel like they need a little more rest, I think it’s a good thing.”

True, perhaps, but we might not need to point out how rare it is for a player to take a day off following a full day off, as the players were off on Sunday. There’s the possibility that Matthews, who has one goal and four assists in the series, is playing through an issue.

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Matthews has dealt with an upper-body injury at times during the season and missed 15 total games.

Goalie Joseph Woll also was not on the ice at the Ford Performance Centre. Berube said Woll was “under the weather.”

With Matthews absent, David Kampf took his place between Marner and Matthew Knies on the top line.

Nick Robertson was an extra in line rushes, an indication he will sit for the third game in a row. Max Pacorietty stayed on a line with Max Domi and Bobby McMann.

What do the Leafs have to change in their game at Scotiabank Arena to close out the series on Tuesday?

“I don’t think a whole lot,” Berube said. “It’s there. I think we have to keep doing a lot of the same things we’re doing. We make adjustments game to game.

“I think we can try to generate more for sure. But at the same time, I think we’re doing a lot of good things. We have to match their desperation level.

“It’s going to be a hard game. They’re a good team. I’ve said it all along, that’s a good hockey team. We’ll be ready to go.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun

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