The aftermath of the bizarre game 9 days ago that resulted in both Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya being lost to injury continues.
Earlier in the week it was thought Luongo would be able to go against the Jets tonight in an all-important game for the Panthers as they try to keep pace with the Bruins for the last playoff spot. But it became apparent his right shoulder is not responding well, and Dan Ellis will get his third straight start.
Ellis has been solid in his first two NHL starts of the year, going 1-0-1 including an emotional victory against the visiting Islanders last Saturday.
The 4-day break was exactly what the doctor ordered for a team suddenly ravaged by the flu, but the Bruins have won 3 in a row, are now even in games played, and own a 6 point lead for the last playoff spot.
The Panthers and Bruins will play three times in the last 16 games.
With everyone relatively healthy again, head coach Gerard Gallant has tweaked the lineup.
Scottie Upshall, Tomas Kopecky, and Alex Petrovic will be the scratches.
5 Million Dollar Man, Dave Bolland, returns after 8 games with an upper body injury and will center the FOURTH line. Derek MacKenzie has been moved to left wing and Shawn Thornton will be on the right.
The other centers are Barkov, Bjugstad, and Trocheck. After being given a few days off for "general soreness," Bjugstad is good to go.
Health is paramount for the most pivotal stretch of the year, but the schedule is extremely tough. The Panthers likely have to go 12-4 the rest of the way and earn at least 5 of the 6 available points against the Bruins. Even that might not be enough, but it will certainly be an interesting race.
The Bruins do begin a tough 3-game stretch of their own tonight against the Lightning, and then back-to-back at Pittsburgh and Washington this weekend.
If Luongo were out for the rest of the season one could practically stick a fork in this club, but he could return anytime after tonight's game. He has been working out on his own and likely needs a few more days.
Dan Spiegel... Florida Panthers Media