Aaron Ekblad Out Against Kings; Expected To Return For Panthers Home Opener

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad was a late scratch against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday for personal reasons, and he won't be in the lineup again tonight against the Los Angeles Kings.

The 30-year-old is expected to be ready for the Florida Panthers' home opener on Saturday against the Minnesota Wild.

Through two games, Ekblad has recorded one assist, two hits, and a mins-1 rating while averaging 20:55 of ice time.

Ekblad skated in 72 games last season, recording four goals and 26 points while averaging 22:28. He and Gustav Forsling weren't at their best, largely because of injuries, as the team struggled. 

Ekblad's on-ice results have been mixed. In two games, Ekblad has posted a Corsi For percentage of 46.67 percent. However, the Panthers are generating better chances, posting an expected goals percentage of 66.34 percent with Ekblad on the ice at 5-on-5, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

With Ekblad out of the lineup, Uvis Balinskis has stepped up, playing alongside Radko Gudas on the third pairing. The Panthers have posted stellar results with Balinskis, owning an expected goals percentage of 89.06 percent and a Corsi For percentage of 71.74. 

No other lineup changes are expected tonight, according to NHL.com's Jameson Olive.

The Panthers are set for a puck drop at 10 p.m. EST at Crypto.com Arena. 

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