Ekblad set to return after missing 4 games
Key reinforcements are on the way for the Florida Panthers.
Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is set to return to the lineup for Friday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing the past four with an upper-body injury.
"I feel good now," said Ekblad, who was injured after a hard hit into the boards by Matt Hendricks of the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 10. "There were a lot of people helping me and on my side to help me get back in. I feel good and I feel prepared to play at any time ... The biggest thing to focus on now is the fact that I’m better and ready to play."
Hendricks was suspended three games for the incident in the Panthers' last win of their 12-game streak.
Without Ekblad in the lineup, the Panthers have gone 0-3-1, which speaks volumes about the 19-year-old's impact.
"It's always tough to sit out," Ekblad said. "My goal every year is to play 82 games. I really want to play as many games in this league before somebody tells me I can't. It's tough to sit out and watch the team lose."
The blue-liner has recorded nine goals and 10 assists in 42 games for first-place Florida.