Both players suffered injuries during the first period of Florida's 1-0 loss to Carolina on Thursday

The Florida Panthers are maneuvering their way through a couple of injury scares earlier this week.

Superstar forward Matthew Tkachuk and top pairing defenseman Gustav Forsling both left Thursday’s game in Carolina early after being hurt during the first period.

After the game, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said both players were considered day-to-day and that they would each be reevaluated the following day.

Since Florida didn’t practice on Friday, there was no update until Saturday’s morning skate ahead of the Panthers home game against the Washington Capitals.

Tkachuk was the first non-goalie on the ice and Forsling followed soon after.

They were wearing their normal-colored jerseys (Tkachuk in white and Forsling in red) and took line rushes with their usual partners, with Tkachuk skating on a line with Sam Bennett and Nick Cousins while Forsling was paired up with Aaron Ekblad.

When Florida began doing special teams work, Tkachuk remained on the ice, indicating he may not be playing on Saturday.

That indeed is the case, as was confirmed by Maurice after the skate.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a00FUfmfNAM[/embed]

Forsling will be in on Saturday while Tkachuk will remain day-to-day and is possible to play Tuesday when Florida hosts Buffalo.

Additionally, Maurice said forward Kevin Stenlund would be a game-time decision and Anthony Stolarz would get the start in goal.

William Lockwood and Steven Lorentz would be who slots in for Tkachuk and Stenlund, though we won't know how the lines will shake out until Florida takes its pregame rushes. 

It's likely the Cats go top-six heavy, as Lorentz would slot in at center for Stenlund on the fourth line and Lockwood bump wingers Ryan Lomberg and Evan Rodrigues up the food chain. 

Puck drops against Washington at 6 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena. 

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Panthers return home following tough loss, host Capitals team just outside playoff spot

Florida Panthers utilizing delicate balancing act between high-end goaltenders

Three takeaways: Pulling positives from tough 1-0 loss in Carolina

Hurricanes snap Panthers road win streak with late goal in Raleigh

Matthew Tkachuk, Gus Forsling leave Panthers game in Carolina