The Florida Panthers have fared relatively well without the services of their two best players over the last week — but reinforcements are on the way. Matthew Tkachuk, who has missed the last five games because of an illness,

SUNRISE, Fla. – Matthew Tkachuk will return to the lineup when the Florida Panthers close out their homestand against the Minnesota Wild at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday. Tkachuk has missed the previous five games with an illness. "I'm feeling good right now,” Tkachuk said. “Ready to get back in the lineup and help."

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will end a five-game absence on Tuesday when he takes the ice against the Minnesota Wild in Sunrise, Fla. Tkachuk reportedly was sidelined due to an illness, however he told reporters on Tuesday after the morning skate that it was not the case.