The injury bug is feasting on the Florida Panthers.
Defenceman Niko Mikkola exited Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres with what the team deemed an upper-body injury.
Less than five minutes into the second period, Mikkola and Sabres forward Tyson Kozak crashed into the boards awkwardly, with Mikkola appearing to also hit his face hard into the ice.
The 29-year-old Finn stayed lying down for a few moments, then was attended to by a trainer before heading down the tunnel to receive additional attention.
The team later announced ahead of the third period that Mikkola would not return. He ended up playing just 11 shifts for a total time of 6:53 on the ice.
Heading into Saturday's matchup, Mikkola had yet to record a point in six games this season.
The Panthers are already currently missing defenceman Dmitry Kulikov (upper-body) and forwards Matthew Tkachuk (groin), Tomas Nosek (knee) and Aleksander Barkov (knee) due to injuries.
After a 3-0 loss to Buffalo, Florida has now dropped four in a row since it began the season with three straight wins.
“We’re missing big guys but on the other hand, some other guys have the opportunity to step up and make their way on the team, in the league,” Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky said. “It’s a good opportunity for them. The structure is there. We have a great group of guys and it’s all in our hands. We’re just going to reset, refocus, and get ready for the next game.”
Mikkola agreed to an eight-year, $40 million contract extension with Florida on Oct. 2. He set career highs with six goals and 16 assists last season, and he led Florida’s defensemen with 137 hits. He could be part of the Finnish team at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
— with files from the Associated Press
