Auston Matthews has rejoined the Toronto Maple Leafs, ahead of Wednesday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Matthews missed Tuesday’s practice, as the United States men’s national hockey team visited the White House to celebrate their Olympic gold medal, although he did not attend the State of the Union. The 28-year-old also served as the United States’ captain and was one of the team’s premier players throughout the tournament. Matthews joined the Maple Leafs for Wednesday’s optional skate in Tampa Bay.

“He’s riding a pretty good high right now with winning,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said following Tuesday’s practice. “He’s feeling good. Again, we will evaluate that tomorrow and I’ll get a better feel when I talk to him tonight.”

Matthews has recorded 26 goals and 48 points in 51 games this season.

Anthony Stolarz is projected to start Wednesday’s contest. Stolarz has posted a 7-7-1 record in 16 appearances with an .882 save percentage. The 32-year-old was excellent in his final start before the Olympic break, making 34 saves in a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on February 3.

John Tavares will also play Wednesday, after missing Tuesday’s practice due to illness. Berube previously indicated that Tavares would be ready for Wednesday’s game. Tavares has recorded 20 goals and 47 points in 57 games this season.

Easton Cowan, Dakota Joshua and Philippe Myers are the healthy scratches for the Maple Leafs. Cowan hasn’t played since January 29 and continues to be a healthy scratch. He operated as a placeholder on Matthews’ line during Tuesday’s practice.

With 25 games remaining and sitting outside of a playoff spot, every game takes on added importance for the Maple Leafs. Matthews is facing the greatest challenge of his career: leading a Maple Leafs team six points out of contention back into the playoffs, and it starts against a Lightning team that has emerged as the class of the conference.