Every Panthers fan’s prayer for this year was that the Cats would not be struck by injuries. They weren’t struck by injuries, they were dismantled early on.

Table of Injuries

Ekblad (Whiplash)- 9/18 to 10/8- 0 games

Bjugstad (Arm)- 10/4 to Present- 17 games

Huberdeau (Achilles Tendon)- 10/8 to Present- 17 Games

Jokinen (Knee)- 10/20 to 11-7- 9 Games

Petrovic (Lower-Body)- 11/17 to Present- 1 Game

Jokinen (Flu)- 11/17 to Present- 1 Game

However struggles from Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Jaromir Jagr and Reilly Smith are also hurting. Ekblad seems to have gotten out of his slump with goals in consecutive games, however Barkov doesn’t have a goal in 15 games the second-longest goal drought of his career and Jagr’s 13 game goal drought ties his career high. Trocheck hasn’t scored a goal since November 3rd and Smith who normally will get consistent for a few games, then disappear for a few games, has not been consistent in scoring. Injuries are no excuse for the Panthers losing. You just can’t lose 6-1 to Toronto. It is not acceptable.  Jonathan Marchessault and Denis Malgin have performed beyond exemplary, and Colton Sceviour and Kyle Rau have both exceeded expectations, and they are keeping the Panthers in the fight, the stars need to step up. Hopefully, Bjugstad and Jokinen can help when they get back.