Valtteri Filppula didn't practice Thursday due to an illness, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Filppula didn't practice Thursday due to an illness, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis:

Although head coach Jon Cooper is hopeful Filppula will be ready for Friday's matchup with Nashville, Thursday's absence puts the Finnish center's status for that contest in doubt. Owners can expect an update on Filppula's status ahead of puck drop Friday evening.