The Florida Panthers have been rolling in 2023-24 and will head into the NHL Playoffs as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. But, Paul Maurice's squad is slumping at the moment and was just dealt a crushing blow, with star defenceman Aaron Ekblad suffering a lower-body injury in Tuesday's defeat to the Montreal Canadiens, which forced him to exit early. Ekblad also just returned from a seven-game absence.
On Thursday, Maurice gave an update on the veteran and said the Panthers are “confident” he will be on the ice for Game 1 of their opening playoff series.
Via Jameson Olive:
“Ekblad will likely miss rest of the regular season, but Cats are “quite confident” he'll be 100% and ready for Game 1.”
“Maurice: “This is not new and it's not unknown to us, what it is. He's got a real good handle on how long it's going to take. He's progressing really well.”
Panthers need Ekblad healthy
The details of this latest injury haven't been revealed, but it appears that it's related to the previous one that kept him out for a handful of contests. Ekblad has been a bit of a walking band-aid in recent seasons, missing 11 games in 2022-23 and 42 games combined in the two seasons prior.
The former first-round pick isn't putting up the biggest numbers, scoring four times and tallying just 14 assists in 51 appearances. He's also averaging his lowest amount of time on ice in his career. Regardless, Ekblad is a crucial piece for the Panthers in their pursuit of a title.
Florida has already clinched their spot in the postseason and sits on the doorstep of 100 points. Ekblad is a major reason this team is allowing just 2.51 goals per night, which ranks second in the league. Despite the lack of offensive output this season, he is solid defensively and one of the better blue-liners in the NHL.
As things stand, the Panthers would likely face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening round of the playoffs, the same club they eliminated in five games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals a year ago. Florida is two points behind the Boston Bruins for top spot in the Atlantic Division.
The Panthers are only 2-7-1 in their last 10 outings and desperately need to get back on track before the playoffs begin. The Leafs beat them on Monday before a loss to the lowly Habs the following night. Next up is a road matchup with the Ottawa Senators on Thursday before traveling to Beantown to face the Bruins, a game that will have serious implications on the standings.
We'll see if they can stay solid at the back without Ekblad, who will be doing everything he can to return sooner rather than later as the Panthers aim to make their Cup dreams a reality.
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