TORONTO -- Auston Matthews practiced Monday but will miss his fifth straight game when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday (1 p.m. ET; SNO, MSGSN). It was the center’s first time practicing since reaggravating an upper-body injury Dec. 20 during a 6-3 win at the Buffalo Sabres.

The 2024-25 NHL season has been an injury-plagued experience for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. The 27-year-old sniper has missed 13 of the Maple Leafs' 37 games due to an upper-body injury.

Alex Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal in his return to action as the Washington Capitals upended the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on Saturday night.

Auston Matthews took part in Maple Leafs practice for the first time since a Dec. 20 injury but won't play Tuesday against the Islanders.

Auston Matthews took part in Toronto Maple Leafs practice for the first time since a Dec. 20 injury but won't play Tuesday at home against the New York Islanders. Coach Craig Berube was pleased with Matthews' participation on Monday but said his captain will miss a fifth consecutive game.

Auston Matthews joined the Toronto Maple Leafs at practice on Monday morning, a sign that he may be inching closer to a return to game action. Matthews has missed the last four games after aggravating a mysterious undisclosed injury,