Jason Garrison (lower body) didn't participate in Saturday's morning skate. There's apparently still a chance that Garrison will play on Saturday, but we'd consider him doubtful at best. He has a goal and an assist in three playoff games.

Panthers coach Kevin Dineen is "cautiously optimistic" that defenseman Jason Garrison will be back in the Florida lineup when the team entertains the New Jersey Devils in their opening-round playoff series. Garrison was a late scratch for Game 4 because of a lower-body injury and his absence was obvious on the power play. In the first three games, the Panthers scored on 60 percent of their power plays against the league's top-rated penalty killing unit. Without Garrison, the Panthers didn't score in six opportunities in their loss. Garrison was replaced in Thursday's lineup by Keaton Ellerby, but he will not be able to play on Saturday if Garrison is unable to go. Ellerby suffered a lower body injury himself after a hit by the Devils' Stephen Gionta early in the second period. He did not return to the game after the hit, leaving the Panthers with five defensemen. If Garrison can't play today, the Panthers would likely call up Tyson Strachen or Colby Robak from AHL affiliate San Antonio, who themselves are playing in the first round of the playoffs.

Jason Garrison is a late scratch for Game 4 with a reported lower-body injury. He is considered to be day-to-day. Keaton Ellerby is playing in his place.

Jason Garrison notched his first career playoff goal in Tuesday's come-from-behind win over New Jersey in Game 3. The Panthers defenseman found the back of the net 16 times during the regular season, so it shouldn't be surprising that he would strike again in the postseason. What does qualify as a shocker though is the fact that Florida has compiled a 60 percent success rate (6-for-10) with the man advantage versus New Jersey's top-rated penalty kill from the regular season and they hold a 2-1 series lead. Garrison's two points in the series were both scored on the power play, where he lines up alongside quarterback Brian Campbell. He has 10 shots and nine hits over the team's three games as well.

Jason Garrison set a new franchise record for most goals by a Panthers defensemen on Friday. His 16th marker of the season was good for second in goals scored by a defenseman this season in the NHL. Unfortunately he hasn't been racking up many assists, but his goal output is welcomed, so keep rolling him out there. Garrison has 30 points in 69 games this season.

Jason Garrison scored a goal in a 2-1 shootout loss Friday night. It was Garrison's 16th goal of the season. Tomas Fleischmann and Stephen Weiss each registered an assist Friday.

Jason Garrison potted his 15th goal of the year in Tuesday's win over Toronto. He tied the team's franchise record for most goals in a single season scored by a defenseman, by joining Jay Bouwmeester and Bryan McCabe, with his ninth power-play marker of the 2011-12 campaign. Garrison also contributed an assist in the contest ot give him 28 points in 64 games.

Jason Garrison returned to action on Saturday February 25.

Jason Garrison should return from an ankle injury on Saturday. Garrison was sidelined for five contests due to the ailment. He has 13 goals and 23 points in 54 games this season.

Jason Garrison (ankle) took part in Wednesday's practice. However, coach Kevin Dineen doesn't expect him to play against the Wild on Thursday. Garrison has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury, that is reportedly to his ankle, but appears to be close to a return.