Matthews misses 9th consecutive game

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews missed his ninth consecutive game Wednesday against the Florida Panthers because of an upper-body injury.

"He had a real good practice yesterday, but he's been off a while," Berube said earlier Wednesday. "He needs a little bit more to be ready to go."

The Maple Leafs were also without fellow forwards Matthew Knies (upper body), Max Domi (lower body), David Kampf (lower body), Calle Jarnkrok (hernia), Max Pacioretty (lower body), and Ryan Reaves (suspension) against the Panthers.

Matthews said last Saturday that it was possible he could play Wednesday. His next chance to return will be Saturday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The three-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner visited a specialist in Germany to help treat his injury, which Matthews said flared up in preseason. It did not require surgery.

The Maple Leafs have gone 7-1-0 in Matthews' absence. Mitch Marner (14 points), William Nylander (11 points), and John Tavares (nine points) have notably stepped up without the former Hart Trophy winner in the lineup.