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.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are eagerly anticipating the return of NHL star Auston Matthews, and head coach Craig Berube has made one thing clear about the captain's comeback.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews remains out with an upper-body injury and Craig Berube does not expect that to end soon.

Auston Matthews’ injury status remains a focal point for the Toronto Maple Leafs, after general manager Brad Treliving told reporters Tuesday that Toronto’s captain went to Germany to see a specialist to receive treatment for his upper-body ailment.

As important as Matthews is to his team's success, the Maple Leafs have survived life without him. Berube's club owns a 5-1-0 record across his six-game absence heading into Wednesday's showdown with the Golden Knights.

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

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

Without their captain and star center, Auston Matthews, in the lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs have surged to the top of the Atlantic Division, playing some of their most disciplined and cohesive hockey of the season.

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