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Okposo back in lineup for Panthers in Game 7 against Oilers, Cousins sidelined
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    Okposo back in lineup for Panthers in Game 7 against Oilers, Cousins sidelined

    The Florida Panthers are tweaking their lineup for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.

    Panthers head coach Paul Maurice told reporters that Kyle Okposo is in for Nick Cousins for Monday’s finale.

    Watch Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final between Oilers and Panthers on Sportsnet


    It all comes down to this. The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will play a winner-take-all Game 7 on Monday night with the Stanley Cup up for grabs. Watch the game Monday at 8 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

    Broadcast schedule

    Okposo has two assists in 16 games during the playoffs. The 36-year-old forward had zero points in six games to wrap up the regular season after he was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline in March for Swedish prospect Calle Själin and a 2024 seventh-round pick.

    The former Sabres captain had only played in 24 career games during the post-season prior to this year.

    Cousins has one assist through 12 playoff games. He finished the regular season with seven goals and 15 points in 69 games for the Panthers.

    The 30-year-old forward had slotted in for Okposo during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final and registered one shot on goal in 9:48 of ice time as the Panthers lost 5-1.

    Watch the Panthers host the Oilers for Game 7 live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT.

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    The Florida Panthers received a boost heading into Game 7 of their playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers as veteran forward Kyle Okposo returned to the lineup after missing the previous two games due to injury. Okposo, who has been a key contributor for the Panthers throughout the season, was cleared to play after undergoing a series of tests and receiving treatment from the team’s medical staff.

    Okposo’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Panthers, who were facing elimination in Game 7. The 33-year-old winger brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, and his presence on the ice is sure to provide a much-needed spark for his teammates.

    Unfortunately for the Panthers, they will be without the services of forward Nick Cousins, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury. Cousins, who has been a valuable depth player for the Panthers this season, will be sorely missed in Game 7 as the team looks to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

    Despite Cousins’ absence, the Panthers are confident in their ability to overcome adversity and come out on top in Game 7. With Okposo back in the lineup and the rest of the team firing on all cylinders, the Panthers are poised to put forth a strong performance and secure a victory over the Oilers.

    As the puck drops for Game 7, all eyes will be on Okposo and his teammates as they look to make a statement and advance in the playoffs. With their season on the line, the Panthers are ready to leave it all on the ice and give it their all in pursuit of victory.