Florida Panthers Scratch Matthew Tkachuk Just Moments Before Game

The Panthers have announced two significant absences:

Matthew Tkachuk, sidelined by illness, and Carter Verhaeghe, nursing an injury from Monday's clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs, are both out.

Tkachuk's absence is a blow to the Panthers' offense; he's been a dynamo this season with 23 goals and 57 assists over 74 games. Verhaeghe, too, has been on a tear, notching 33 goals and 38 assists in 75 games, including five points in his last six outings.

This comes at a crucial time for the Panthers, who are jockeying for position in the Atlantic Division. They're currently four points ahead of the Leafs, who have a game in hand. Missing two key players tonight could make that race even tighter.