Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Panthers Expect Injured Forward Back for Stanley Cup Final

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 29, 2025 6:16 AM ET

The Florida Panthers will have to wait until at least June 4 to begin their third straight Stanley Cup Final, but coach Paul Maurice used the time after Game 5 to address a key injury concern.

Florida closed out the Eastern Conference Final with a 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

The victory clinched the Panthers’ third consecutive trip to the finals and came despite the absence of Eetu Luostarinen for most of the game.

Luostarinen left in the first period after a failed attempt to check the Hurricanes' Taylor Hall sent him straight into the end boards.

Maurice on Luostarinen:

“He should be fine. We don’t think it’s too serious. We think he’ll be right and ready.”
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) May 29, 2025

The forward was slow returning to the bench, and he didn't return after leaving the ice shortly after the impact.

Maurice spoke postgame about the situation, providing an encouraging update ahead of the Stanley Cup Final starting next week.

"He should be fine," Maurice said. "I’m not a doctor, but I know we’re not playing tomorrow or the next day.

"We don’t think it's too serious. We think he’ll be right and ready for the Final."

With Luostarinen sidelined, the Panthers briefly moved Tomas Nosek to the third line alongside Anton Lundell and Brad Marchand.

Luostarinen scored in the first round against Tampa Bay and has remained a reliable part of Florida’s bottom-six. Whether the Panthers face the Oilers or the Stars in the finals, they expect to have him back.

If Edmonton defeats Dallas in Game 5, scheduled for Thursday, with the Oilers leading the Western Conference finals 3-1, the Final will begin June 4. If not, it will start June 7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: