Matthews out vs. Red Wings, unlikely for Saturday

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews missed Friday's clash against the Detroit Red Wings and is unlikely to suit up Saturday against the Washington Capitals, head coach Craig Berube told TSN.

Matthews is nursing an upper-body injury that's now caused two absences this season.

"He's doing better, which is good. ... I can't give you any more than that, to be honest with you," Berube said. "I'll update you more tomorrow, we'll see how he's doing tomorrow."

Berube revealed last week that Matthews was still "fighting through" the issue. The captain has amassed 11 goals and 23 points in 24 appearances this season.

Toronto went 7-2-0 during Matthews' first stint on the sidelines but dropped its last two games without him heading into the holiday break: a 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders and a 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets.