The New York Islanders will have something to prove to their coach when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday afternoon.

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.

The top team in the Atlantic Division hits the ice as the Toronto Maple Leafs face the New York Islanders. It is time to continue our NHL odds series with an Islanders-Maple Leafs prediction and pick.

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 New York Islanders visit the Toronto Maple Leafs after Anders Lee scored two goals in the Islanders' 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins

The Maple Leafs have confirmed Auston Matthews' status for Tuesday's game against the New York Islanders and may also be missing a key defenseman. After missing the last couple of weeks due to injury,

Injuries have wreaked havoc on the Maple Leafs' crease throughout the season. Joseph Woll opened the year on the injured reserve with a lower-body issue, and now Anthony Stolarz — who's put up All-Star-quality numbers as the starter — could be out of action until February with a knee injury .

Bo Horvat had two goals and an assist, Isaiah George scored his first NHL goal and the New York Islanders beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Saturday night.

Toronto's goaltending situation is suddenly murkier than it was a few weeks ago, and now they've set out their game plan for the future while Anthony Stolarz heals.

Ekman-Larsson has been a mainstay in the Maple Leafs' lineup, appearing in all 37 games this season. The 33-year-old, in his first campaign with Toronto, has contributed one goal and 12 assists for a total of 13 points. His reliability has held great value for a Maple Leafs team that’s battled the injury bug over the past month.

The New York Islanders (12-14-7) take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (21-10-2) on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena. Ilya Sorokin vs Joseph Woll is the expected goalie matchup. The Isles Morning Minute is presented by Acrisure.

Toronto is hoping that Matthews can finish the 2024-25 campaign healthy whenever he returns. The veteran forward took over the Maple Leafs' captaincy from Tavares during the offseason nearly one year after the former signed a four-year, $53 million extension with the franchise.