Panthers recall Jonathan Racine to help flu-stricken blue line

SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers recalled defenseman Jonathan Racine from San Antonio (AHL), the team announced Saturday.

As an untimely flu bug continues to make its way through Florida's locker room, Racine could potentially suit up for the Panthers on Saturday night when they host the New York Islanders.

Defensemen Willie Mitchell and Aaron Ekblad are considered game-time decisions as they each battle varying degrees of illness.

"It's tough. It makes it real tough on your team. Every team goes through it at some time of the season. It's bad timing for us," Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said after Saturday's morning skate. "We called up a lot of guys and they played good hockey for us. We'll move on."

Racine, 21, made his National Hockey League debut against the Islanders on April 1, 2014, recording two penalty minutes. A third-round pick, 87th overall, in the 2011 NHL Draft, he has record five points and 109 penalty minutes in 53 games with San Antonio this season.

The Panthers reassigned defenseman Shane O'Brien to San Antonio on Friday.

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