Panthers' Bjugstad out until after Christmas

The streaking Florida Panthers will continue to be without Nick Bjugstad.

Head coach Gerard Gallant said the forward, on injured reserve and suffering from migraines, will not return until after Christmas at the earliest, according to the Sun Sentinel's Harvey Fialkov.

The Panthers, in action Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks, host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday at home. Their next game after that is on Dec. 27.

Bjugstad has seven goals and five assists in 12 games. He hasn't played since Nov. 29.

Florida's won three straight heading into Sunday's game, and four of five. The team's 7-3 in its last 10, and has quietly allowed the second-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference (76).