Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad did not practice Sunday and his status for Monday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche (9 p.m. ET; TVAS, SCRIPPS, ALT) will be determined after morning skate.
Coach Paul Maurice did not want to reveal the nature of the injury afflicting the veteran.
“A body injury in general,” Maurice said. Let’s create a new term: discomfort in the body in general. »
Maurice, however, revealed that Ekblad’s injury “showed itself” during Friday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ekblad did not play at the end of the third period or in overtime.
As one of the Panthers’ most used players on the penalty kill, Ekblad would have been on the ice for Pittsburgh’s power play during the final two minutes of the third period.
“He’s dealing with something, but he could be 100% tomorrow,” added Maurice.
Niko Mikkola could be back in action on Monday. The defenseman has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury.
“Niko participated in the whole training, so it’s very positive,” Maurice said, adding that Mikkola’s status will also be determined after Monday’s morning training.
