Markstrom Leaves Panthers Loss Without Injury After Tightness

The Florida Panthers lost starting goalie Jacob Markstrom during their 5-3 defeat against the Buffalo Sabres on October 12 in Buffalo, New York, after he left following the first period because of tightness, while coach Paul Maurice said the veteran avoided an injury.

Markstrom stopped nine of 11 shots before leaving and did not return for the second period, according to Florida Hockey Now. Akira Schmid replaced him and allowed three goals on 21 shots in relief.

The Panthers were already playing without Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand because of injuries, according to Florida Hockey Now. The team dropped to 2-2-2 after the loss and prepared for a road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Florida coach Paul Maurice explained the reason for Markstrom's early exit after the game against Buffalo.

"Tightened up," said Paul Maurice, Panthers coach.

Maurice said the issue was not considered a significant injury after Markstrom completed the opening period. The Panthers evaluated the 36-year-old goalie before their next game.

"There's no injury there," said Paul Maurice, Panthers coach.

The coach added that the situation was manageable after Markstrom's departure forced Schmid into action. Schmid had previously made two appearances for Florida this season and lost both outings, according to CBS Sports.

"There's nothing we can't deal with. Just standard stuff," said Paul Maurice, Panthers coach.

Schmid is expected to start against Columbus after taking the loss in relief against Buffalo, according to Florida Hockey Now. The Panthers' schedule continued with the Blue Jackets game on Tuesday.