A key player for the Florida Panthers is slated to return for Game 2.
Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is set to rejoin the lineup for the current Stanley Cup champions on Wednesday as they face the Toronto Maple Leafs. His return follows a two-game suspension he recently served.
“Really excited,” Ekblad commented on his upcoming return. “Obviously after Game 1, I’m hoping to provide some energy.”
Ekblad is expected to take the spot on the defensive unit previously occupied by Uvis Balinskis, who scored Florida`s third goal during Game 1.
The former first overall draft pick received a two-game suspension for elbowing Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the initial playoff round. This suspension came after he had already missed the first two games of that same series while completing a 20-game ban for violating the league`s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Throughout the 56 regular-season games he played, the 29-year-old defenseman accumulated three goals and 30 assists. He averaged 23 minutes and 30 seconds of ice time per game.
Based on the morning skate session, Ekblad will skate on the top defensive pairing alongside teammate Gustav Forsling.
Balinskis, the 28-year-old Latvian player, recorded four goals and 14 assists over 74 regular-season contests. His goal in Game 1 remains his sole point registered across four playoff appearances.
Among the forwards, Mackie Samoskevich is anticipated to replace A.J. Greer on the fourth line. This line includes Jesper Boqvist and Nico Sturm.
Rookie player Samoskevich finished the regular season with 15 goals and 16 assists in 72 games. He has collected one assist in his three playoff games so far.
Greer, who posted six goals and 11 assists over 81 regular-season games, has not yet recorded any points in his three playoff appearances.
Tristan Blackwood