Jussi Jokinen is battling the flu and is unlikely to play Friday against the Senators, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Jokinen is battling the flu and is unlikely to play Friday against the Senators, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Jokinen wasn't present at Friday's morning skate, so barring a dramatic recovery over the afternoon, it appears that he'll sit out for the first time this season. The veteran winger could probably benefit from the rest in any case, as he's cooled considerably since his hot start in November, going without a point and producing a minus-3 rating over his last four games. Jimmy Hayes figures to rejoin the lineup in Jokinen's place.