Florida Panthers Update
In a positive update for the Florida Panthers, forwards Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell are both expected to play in the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final scheduled for Wednesday night in Edmonton. This announcement comes directly from head coach Paul Maurice. Both players endured injuries during the playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, culminating in a decisive Game 5 win that secured a place in the Finals for the Panthers.
Injury Concerns
However, uncertainty looms over teammate A.J. Greer, whose availability for the upcoming game is still up in the air. Greer, who struggled with a lower-body injury, only played a mere 4:22 minutes in the fifth game and previously missed Game 4. During Saturday’s practice session—the first since the Panthers clinched their Finals spot—Greer remained sidelined with the coaching staff designating him as “day to day.”
Coach Maurice indicated, “The only question mark is Greer. We will list him as day to day. The other guys are fine. They will be back on the ice tomorrow when we do a little bit of an optional [skate].”
Player Contributions
Looking at the players’ contributions, Luostarinen, 26, has made a significant impact with 24 points from nine goals and 15 assists in 80 regular-season games, alongside a solid performance in the playoffs with 13 points from four goals and nine assists over 17 games. Meanwhile, Lundell, who is 23 years old, collected 45 points during the regular season from 17 goals and 28 assists and has added 12 points in the postseason with five goals and seven assists. Greer, at age 28, contributed 17 points in the regular season, scoring six goals along with 11 assists, and managed to net two goals and an assist in 12 playoff outings.
