Ekblad is dealing with a sore neck that will keep him from playing Thursday night against the Coyotes, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Richards has relayed from the power-play defenseman that the neck issue is not linked to his recent concussion, which is good news since that had kept Ekblad out of the lineup for four straight contests. Florida needs an absolute miracle to make it to the playoffs, so the priority will be ensuring that Ekblad makes a full recovery from this latest ailment.