The Toronto Maple Leafs have hit their stride without Auston Matthews in the lineup, climbing to first place in the Atlantic Division by embracing a more straightforward, disciplined style of play.

Matthews will miss his ninth straight game with a mysterious injury, but Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said "he's feeling good."

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube shared mixed feelings about Auston Matthews’ recovery and potential return to action on Wednesday’s game against the Florida Panthers. While Matthews’ presence in practice on Tuesday was a step forward,

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been winning without Auston Matthews in the lineup. He is now returning. What does the team do?

The Toronto Maple Leafs will not have Auston Matthews in the lineup for a powerhouse divisional clash with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

Defeating the defending Stanley Cup Champions won't be easy, which is why Maple Leafs fans are hoping that Matthews will be healthy enough to face the Panthers. The Toronto captain has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Nov. 3, however, Tuesday's return to practice sparked optimism regarding his outlook.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar indicated Wednesday’s showdown against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers as his possible return date, Matthews will miss a ninth consecutive game due to his undisclosed upper-body injury.

The Maple Leafs captain has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Nov. 3 and the situation reached a point where he even traveled to Munich, Germany, for treatment last week. Although he's occasionally participated in smaller drills during his absence, Tuesday's update was one that Toronto fans have been waiting for.

Matthews flew to Munich, Germany to get treatment for his upper-body injury and returned to skating on Saturday.