Florida Panthers’ A.J. Greer Returns for Game 3
In a strategic move ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Florida Panthers’ coach Paul Maurice has announced that forward A.J. Greer will rejoin the lineup. The 28-year-old forward has not seen the ice since Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Panthers triumphed over the Carolina Hurricanes.
Greer, who has been sidelined for the first two games against the Edmonton Oilers due to an undisclosed injury, is set to bring his hard-hitting style back to the ice for the pivotal matchup.
Greer’s Playoff Contributions
Throughout the playoffs, Greer has contributed 2 goals and an assist over 12 games, playing alongside teammates Jonah Gadjovich and Tomas Nosek on what has become known as the energy line. His inclusion in the lineup comes at a critical moment, as the Panthers hold a 10-2 record in postseason games when he plays. Greer will be taking the place of winger Jesper Boqvist in this contest. As the series stands, the two teams are evenly matched, each with one victory in the best-of-seven finals.
Reflecting on Challenges
Reflecting on his time off the ice, Greer expressed his frustration at not being able to contribute to the team’s efforts from the bench.
“I really hated watching from up top and not being with the guys… I had to make a decision that was going to be helpful to the team,”
he said, emphasizing the importance of being at peak performance for his return.
Greer reiterated his focus on fulfilling the role that the Panthers need him to play, saying,
“I’m just trying to come back to the way that I usually play”
with his line mates. His journey to this moment has not been without challenges. Just two years prior, while with the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL, Greer contemplated pursuing his hockey career overseas in search of more playing time. However, he ultimately resolved to embrace his role as a depth forward, shifting his mindset to make the most of limited ice time.
“I had to kind of embrace the role of playing six minutes a night and being able to do the right things with those kinds of minutes,”
he explained, acknowledging that he needed to move past a victim mentality to achieve success in the league.
Looking Ahead to Game 3
As Game 3 approaches, all eyes will be on Greer as he steps back into the intensity of the Stanley Cup Finals, underscoring the significance of every player’s contribution in the battle for hockey’s ultimate prize.
