NHL Rosters just reported that Anton Lundell will not play today as the Panthers visit the Capitals, and he is considered day-to-day.
The post gives no cause and no diagnosis, and the team has not given more details in what we have. That leaves Florida guessing at center on a day it can least afford it.
The timing stings. Lundell scored the first hat trick of his career Wednesday against Chicago, in a 5-3 win that kept the Panthers rolling.
Aleksander Barkov is listed on injured reserve with a knee injury and is expected to be out until at least Nov 27. Brad Marchand is also on IR with a knee injury, with an expected return of at least Nov 21. Both have played just 2 games this season.
Florida is already thin up the middle. Losing Lundell, even for a short stretch, hurts that group further.
Lundell has 4 goals and 2 assists in 16 games this season, but he carries a -4 rating. The hat trick accounts for a big chunk of that offense, which says plenty about how hard goals have been to come by for him.
What Lundell's absence means for Florida's trip
Washington gave nothing away. RMNB reported that Spencer Carbery confirmed no changes to the Capitals' lineup, and Logan Thompson starts in goal.
The Capitals are 8-6-0 and have lost 2 straight, so they have reason to push at home. Washington's last game was a 6-5 loss to Dallas.
Florida is 9-5-2 and has won 7 of its last 10. Today is the first of two straight road matinees, so the Panthers need their lineup answers fast. Paul Maurice has not said who fills the spot, and no post tells us.
Earlier this week we noted the Panthers bringing Barkov and Marchand to Washington, but neither is expected to play on this trip.
The question now is how long Lundell stays out. Day-to-day offers no timeline, and Florida plays again Sunday.
Quick hits
WASHINGTON CAPITALSSammi Silber also reports that Logan Thompson gets the start today against the Panthers, with no other lineup changes. Washington keeps it simple.
BOSTON BRUINSConor Ryan reports Boston has placed James Hagens on injured reserve and recalled Mikey Eyssimont from Providence. A tough break for the young forward.
MINNESOTA WILDMichael Russo reports Michael McCarron is questionable tonight against the Lightning after he did not finish the Wild's win over the Sharks. Worth watching before puck drop.
CALGARY FLAMESThe Flames get a chance to answer for Friday's collapse Sunday, when the Flyers visit the Saddledome to close a three-game homestand. Bounce-back time.
DETROIT RED WINGSPuckPedia flagged that time is running out for Simon Edvinsson to sign a new contract and be eligible to play for Detroit this season. That clock matters.
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