Panthers beat writer Jameson Olive reported this morning that Niko Mikkola is fine after practice, and that Barkov and Marchand are traveling.
The defenseman had Florida holding its breath for a bit. Olive says Mikkola brushed it off.
Olive wrote that Mikkola told reporters it was "just a bruise."
That is a relief for a blue line that leans on him. Mikkola has played all 16 games this season, with 2 goals, 2 assists and a +6 rating.
The Panthers sit 9-5-2 and have won 7 of their last 10. Losing a defenseman who has not missed a night would have hurt at the worst time.
Olive also passed along that Paul Maurice says Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand are traveling on this road trip. Neither is expected to play, but both could join the morning skate in Columbus.
The reason is simple. Maurice told Olive there are not many practices this month, so he wants to find time to get both on the ice with the group. It fits the earlier Barkov and Marchand schedule update from Maurice.
Barkov and Marchand rejoin the group on the road
Neither player has had much of a season yet. Barkov has played 2 games without a point, while Marchand has a goal in his 2 games.
Both are still listed on injured reserve with knee injuries, according to the latest injury report. Nobody has put a return date on either one, and this update does not change that. For the full timeline discussion, see Maurice's earlier Barkov and Marchand return timelines.
Taking them on the trip is the right call. The team has held its own without them, and a morning skate with the group beats forcing anyone back before the legs and timing are ready.
The practical question is how much of that skate they actually join. Maurice has not said, and the schedule leaves him little room to ease anyone in.
Florida's next game is Saturday, Nov. 7 at Washington. The Capitals are 8-6-0 and have lost two straight.
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