Auston Matthews Suffers Injury, Leaves Game 4 Early

Maple Leafs Center Exits Before Third Period

Toronto Suffers Blow in Crucial Game

In a devastating turn of events for the Toronto Maple Leafs, star center Auston Matthews was forced to leave Game 4 of their playoff series against the Boston Bruins before the third period due to an undisclosed injury. The Leafs, who were trailing 3-2 at the time of Matthews' departure, went on to lose the game 4-3 in overtime.

Matthews, who had scored a goal and an assist in the first two periods, was seen grimacing and clutching his left leg after a collision with Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton. He left the ice under his own power but did not return to the game.

The loss of Matthews is a major blow to the Maple Leafs, who are now facing a 3-1 series deficit. Matthews is the team's leading scorer and is considered one of the best players in the NHL. His absence will put a significant strain on the Leafs' offense, which has struggled to generate goals in recent games.

The Maple Leafs will now have to regroup and find a way to win Game 5 in Boston on Wednesday night to avoid elimination. Matthews' status for that game is currently unknown.