Sunrise, FL – The Florida Panthers have ruled defenseman Ed Jovanovski out for the next two games due to a knee injury the veteran sustained in the team's last outing.
Jovanovski got hurt on a knee-to-knee collision with Tampa Bay forward Brandon Crombeen during the Panthers' loss to the Lightning on Tuesday. Head coach Kevin Dineen told reporters during Thursday's morning skate that the 36-year- old will miss tonight's matchup against Winnipeg and Sunday's visit to Buffalo following an evaluation by team physician Dr. John Uribe.
The former No. 1 overall pick had registered just one assist and a minus-two rating while playing in five of Florida's first six games.
Dineen also said on Thursday that he's hopeful that injured center Stephen Weiss will be ready to go for Sunday's clash against the Sabres. Weiss, the Panthers' top-line centerman, has missed three straight games due to a groin strain.
In addition, forward Marcel Goc will return after missing the season's first six games with an ankle injury sustained while playing overseas during the lockout.
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