Auston Matthews officially out of action

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are to enjoy another win over the rebuilding Detroit Red Wings, they'll have to do so without their most lethal goal scoring forward. 

Auston Matthews, who was originally designated a game time decision for tonight after missing last night's game with what was described as a lingering injury, isn't a participant in the pre-game warmup at Little Caesars Arena, and won't be suiting up.

Matthews, who scored in Toronto's win over Detroit in the Motor City in November, has scored 20 goals with 27 assists for the Leafs so far this season. Right now, he's on pace for "only" 39 goals, a far-cry from last season's total of 60, but still a solid season for just about any other player by comparison. 

Meanwhile, according to Luke Fox, it will be veteran Jordie Benn in the lineup for Conor Timmins, while Wayne Simmonds will be in place of Dryden Hunt.