The Florida Panthers will be without Nick Bjugstad in their do-or-die game against the Islanders on Sunday.
The 23-year-old suffered an upper-body injury in Game 5 after he fell face-first into the boards (top). Bjugstad needed multiple stitches as a result of the play. He’s considered day-to-day, per head coach Gerard Gallant.
Bjugstad had two goals and two assists in the first five games of the series.
Logan Shaw talked to Bjugstad: "That was pretty scary stuff the other day, he seems fine I talked to him the other day, he seemed fine after
— Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) April 24, 2016
the game. Obviously, we want to make sure we give him another chance to play.'' #bjugstad
— Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) April 24, 2016
The Panthers will be forced to shake things up on their second line. It sounds like Vincent Trocheck will move to center with Bjugstad out.
FLA warmups show Trocheck between Smith and Jokinen, Hudler-Shaw-Purcell, Wilson-MacKenzie-Thornton.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) April 24, 2016
Trocheck made his return from a foot injury on Friday night, and he wasn’t exactly eased into the lineup. The 22-year-old was forced to play over 31 minutes in the double overtime loss.
The Panthers need to win Game 6 to stay alive.