Leafs Rule Out Auston Matthews, Reveal Lines for Thursday's Rematch With Islanders

Following a thrilling 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders on New Year's Eve, the Maple Leafs were right back at it on New Year's Day, preparing for a grudge match on Long Island tomorrow night.

Originally, it appeared as though the Leafs may get Auston Matthews back in time for that one. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case after Craig Berube has already ruled out his captain for Thursday's rematch.

Matthews was surprisingly placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, though it was reportedly only a paper transaction to allow the Leafs to call up Marshall Rifai with Oliver Ekman-Larsson missing yesterday's game with an illness.

Thankfully, Ekman-Larsson returned to practice on Wednesday, taking regular line rushes on the 3rd pair with Simon Benoit, which is a pretty good indicator that he'll play tomorrow against the Isles.

The Leafs ran with a very similar lineup at practice on Wednesday to the one that secured the victory on Tuesday. The only change appears to be OEL in for Conor Timmins.

Pacioretty-Tavares-Marner
Knies-Kampf-Nylander
McMann-Domi-Robertson
Lorentz-Dewar-Reaves
Matthews (grey jersey)
Absent: Holmberg (illness)

Rielly-Myers
McCabe-Tanev
Benoit-OEL
Rifai-Timmins

The Leafs were also happy to get some good news on Joseph Woll, who appears to be no worse for wear after Tuesday's injury scare and was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

The Leafs are currently in a dead heat with the Florida Panthers for top spot in the Atlantic Division, with both teams boasting a 23-13-2 record.

I'm sure the Leafs would love to string together a few wins and create some separation from their Atlantic Division foe.