Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe has been ruled out of Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals, head coach Craig Berube told reporters Thursday.

Berube indicated McCabe is feeling better but will still be out of the lineup on Friday. McCabe took a puck to the head during Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and told reporters Tuesday that he was feeling better. However, Berube ruled McCabe out of Wednesday’s game against the Nashville Predators and the 31-year-old will miss his third consecutive game. McCabe has formed one of the best defensive partnerships in the league alongside Chris Tanev, recording five assists in 23 games.

Max Domi was also ruled out of Friday’s game. Domi has missed Toronto’s past six games due to a lower-body injury. Domi has recorded six assists in 19 games, and did not record a point in his past 13 games. It’s clear that Domi was playing through injury and it’s in the Maple Leafs’ best interest to make sure he’s fully recovered. Fraser Minten has done an admirable job since being called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, while Nikita Grebenkin continues to impress in a bottom-six role as the Maple Leafs remain atop the Atlantic Division despite several injuries to their regulars.

Toronto will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, where Max Pacioretty is eligible to return from long-term injured reserve. The Leafs Nation’s Nick Alberga indicated Pacioretty could potentially make his return Saturday, after a one-month absence. Pacioretty suffered an injury during a November 9 game against the Montreal Canadiens, where he clutched the back of his leg after getting hit by Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson.

Berube also indicated that Jani Hakanpaa underwent a knee procedure that should allow him to resume skating next week. Hakanpaa was named to Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster on Wednesday. The towering defenceman has played in two games for the Maple Leafs, before being placed on injured reserve.