Florida Panthers make last-minute lineup change ahead of winner-takes-all game 7
The Florida Panthers' head coach Paul Maurice applied a last-minute lineup swap ahead of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers.
Tonight, hockey fans all around the world will tune in for this epic matchup as the Oilers and the Panthers faceoff in the last game of the 2023-24 playoffs.
The Panthers have a lot to lose tonight: they could become the first team in NHL history to lose after leading 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Finals. The last time it happened was in 1942, when the Maple Leafs came back from a 0-3 deficit to win the Stanley Cup against the Detroit Red Wings.
As they prepare for this ultimate game, Paul Maurice confirmed that he applied a lineup change that could turn the situation in the Panthers' favor.
Earlier today, in a press conference, the head coach revealed that Nick Cousins will give up his spot for the 36-year-old Kyle Okposo.
"Okposo in for Cousins, per Maurice.
No other lineup changes."
No other lineup changes."
This is Okposo's first shot at playing in a game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, after 1051 NHL games played over 16 seasons.
In a recent interview, the player shared a story that happened with his son on this amazing opportunity:
"Kyle Okposo, drawing into Game 7: 'I grabbed my son today, who's eight, and said, 'You know what I was doing when I was your age? I was in the driveway with my Rollerblades on pretending I was in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. How special is it that you're going to the game?'"
Tonight's game promises to be emotional. Vererans such as Adam Henrique, Corey Perry, Kyle Okposo or Derek Ryan will either win or lose, crushing dreams of players of devoted their lives to the sport.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 24 | 216 ANSWERS Florida Panthers make last-minute lineup change ahead of winner-takes-all game 7 Do you think the Florida Panthers will have the edge on the Edmonton Oilers in game 7 with that lineup change? | ||
| Yes | 75 | 34.7 % |
| No | 141 | 65.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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