Panthers' Jagr expected to play vs. Red Wings

SUNRISE, Fla. - Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr is expected to be in the lineup Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings at BB&T Center (7:30 p.m. ET; FS-D, FS-F, NHL.TV).

Jagr sat out the second half of the third period of the 5-2 victory against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday with a lower-back ailment, but coach Gerard Gallant said he didn't believe the injury was serious.

"I think he's fine," Gallant said Wednesday. "He told the trainers (Tuesday), 'Tell Coach I'm not ready to go the last 10 minutes.' After the game, he looked fine and everything."

The Atlantic Division-leading Panthers (30-15-5) held an optional practice Wednesday and Jagr, 43, wasn't among the four players who took the ice.

Jagr, a 2016 NHL All-Star, played 10:32 against the Capitals and had an assist on the first of two goals by Jonathan Huberdeau. It was the 1,099th assist of his career.