Panthers' Ryan Lomberg out for series, Bruins' David Krejci progressing toward return

Boston Globe reporter Matt Porter tweeted that Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice told reporters that winger Ryan Lomberg is out for the remainder of the team's first-round series. The 28-year-old suffered an upper-body injury in the Panthers' 6-2 loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 4 and hasn’t played since. Lomberg didn’t miss any of the regular season, dressing in all 82 games and registering 12 goals and eight assists, but has yet to score in four playoff games.

The undrafted Lomberg proved to be a good depth option this year for Florida but spent much of the first round mixing it up in what could be described as more of a pest role. Lomberg had 14 penalty minutes in the Panthers' Game 2 win in Boston and became public enemy No. 1 after choking Trent Frederic.

In other injury news, birthday boy David Krejčí appears to be a step closer to returning to the Bruins lineup. Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic tweeted that the center skated in a non-contact jersey during Bruins practice Friday morning. While it’s a good step for the 37-year-old, it doesn’t appear as though he will dress for Game 6 against Florida. Krejčí traveled with the Bruins to Florida, but given his jersey color Friday all signs would point to him needing more time before a return can be possible. However, Porter has also tweeted that Krejčí will take the pre-game warmups with the club, and the Bruins are uncertain of his availability.

Krejčí has missed the last three games of the series after being a late scratch for Game 3. While the Bruins have missed him centering their second line, Pavel Zacha has been fine in Krejčí’s spot, recording two assists in three games.