Tkachuk, Forsling Leave Florida Panthers Game in First at Carolina

The Florida Panthers were without two of their top players — forward Matthew Tkachuk and defenseman Gus Forsling — to start the second period Thursday against the host Carolina Hurricanes.

Forsling, arguably Florida’s top defenseman, left the game with 6:51 remaining in the opening period and went to the team’s room in Raleigh.

Tkachuk took a hit in the corner from Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov with about 2 minutes left in the period.

He was on the bench talking with trainer Dave DiNapoli but did not return to start the second.

The game was scoreless through the first 30 minutes of action.

Florida is attempting to tie the NHL record for consecutive road wins, having won 11 straight dating to Dec. 27 in Tampa.

This story will be updated as information becomes available.