Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola is expected to play on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets despite leaving Monday’s game early and missing this morning’s practice.
The Florida Panthers and Niko Mikkola have avoided another injury crisis.
When the 29-year-old exited Monday’s game against the San Jose Sharks after skating in just 12:36 of ice time, the concerns about another long-term injury began to arise. When he was absent from this morning’s skate, the concerns continued to grow, but coach Paul Maurice was able to share some good news about the Finnish defenseman.
Following the practice, Maurice told the media attending that Mikkola is expected to play tomorrow against the Winnipeg Jets.
It’s great news for the Panthers, who have continued to find themselves leaning more and more on Mikkola. He’s averaging 20:08 of ice time this season, but he’s seen games where his ice time is well past the 20-minute mark and into the 24/25-minute mark.
With Seth Jones out, the Panthers can’t afford to lose another top-four defenseman. Jones and Mikkola have been relied heavily on to be on the ice for defensive zone draws, as well as many offensive zone faceoffs.
Sam Reinhart was also absent from practice, but that didn’t come as much of a surprise. His absence was chalked up to maintenance, and Maurice confirmed that he will be ready to go when the Panthers take on the Jets in Winnipeg.
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