Aggression and assertiveness were qualities sorely lacking through the Maple Leafs' Game 4 disappointment at home, and thus positioned Game 5 as a referendum on the club's character. The Leafs certainly answered their critics. (@lukefoxjukebox) www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/playing-for-our-lives-maple-leafs-pass-character-test-with-ot-thriller/

Auston Matthews will not suit up for the Maple Leafs in Game 5 tonight as Toronto faces elimination. pic.twitter.com/iztQrLugcT

Auston Matthews is NOT on the ice for warm-up Leafs without their best player tonight as they face elimination in Boston @TSN_Edge

A reporter was asking John Tavares about potential excuses in the series with William Nylander & Auston Matthews both missing time Leafs captain cut off the question "We're focused on [Game 5] ... We just have to come out & bring our best" www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/tavares-cuts-off-question-about-potential-excuses-for-leafs~2912450