Panthers defenseman Willie Mitchell to miss third straight game
SUNRISE, Fla -- Willie Mitchell will miss his third straight game Tuesday night when the Florida Panthers host the Anaheim Ducks.
Mitchell, who is currently listed as day-to-day, hasn't played since sustaining an upper-body injury during Florida's 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Feb. 3.
"He's getting closer, but not quite yet," Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant said after Tuesday's morning skate from the BB&T Center.
In his first season with the Panthers, Mitchell, 37, has recorded two goals and five points in 49 games while also serving as team captain -- a role he has continued to embrace during his recovery.
"He's still making his rounds and talking to us," center Nick Bjugstad said. "He's making sure he's being captain and making sure everything's straight. It's tough not having him in the lineup, but he's still around."
Following Tuesday's game, the Panthers will embark on a two-game trip with stops in Minnesota and Dallas. As of right now, Gallant considers Mitchell's status for both games to be questionable.
"I hope so, but I don't know," Gallant said.
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