Injury To Panthers' Jagr Not Serious, Could Play This Weekend
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – The Florida Panthers received an injury scare during Tuesday night's 4-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche at the BB&T Center.
Jaromir Jagr, the 43-year-old scoring leader with 10 points in eight games for the Panthers, left the game with a lower body injury after playing just 2:30 in the first period.
After the game head coach Gerard Gallant said that he didn't think the injury was serious, and he confirmed that following Wednesday's optional team practice.
Gallant said that Jagr could have returned to the game and that he's considered day-to-day. He added that the veteran forward could play in Florida's next game, which is Friday night against the Boston Bruins.
The Panthers are already dealing with an injury to one of their top players as center Aleksander Barkov is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a broken bone in his right hand.
Florida faired just fine without Jagr on Tuesday, scoring four goals and carrying even strength play, but it's a big relief that he could return as soon as Friday.
Through the first eight games of the season the Panthers top line of Jagr, Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau had combined for 20 points.
Nick Bjugstad has taken Barkov's place centering the top line and Jussi Jokinen took Jagr's place after he left Tuesday's game.
LUONGO ALSO OK
Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo was visited by a trainer during the third period against Colorado but remained in the game.
Gallant said that Luongo was suffering from dehydration and cramped up during the game. He received fluids through an IV and isn't expected to miss any time.
The Panthers face the Boston Bruins on Friday, October 30th at 7:30 p.m. You can hear every game on Sports Radio 560 WQAM, the radio home of the Florida Panthers.
Follow David on Twitter (@DavidDwork)
