Here's a look at the projected lineups for tonight's pivotal Game 2 matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers are looking to capitalize on their Game 1 overtime victory and take a 2-0 series lead before heading to Florida. Meanwhile, the Panthers are aiming to even the series on Edmonton's home ice.
Florida Panthers Projected Lineup:
The Panthers are expected to maintain the same lineup that they fielded in Game 1. Coach Paul Maurice indicated that A.J. Greer is nearing a return from his lower-body injury, potentially being available for Game 3.
Forwards:
Defense:
Goalies:
Powerplay: Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, Evan Rodrigues, Sam Reinhart, Aaron Ekblad; Brad Marchand, Anton Lundell, Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Seth Jones Penalty kill: Tomas Nosek, Eetu Luostarinen, Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad; Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Dmitry Kulikov, Seth Jones
Edmonton Oilers Projected Lineup:
The Oilers are also anticipated to stick with the same lineup that earned them the win in Game 1.
Forwards:
Defense:
Goalies:
Powerplay: Corey Perry, Ryan Nugent-hopkins, Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard; Evander Kane, Adam Henrique, Viktor Arvidsson, John Klingberg, Jake Walman Penalty Kill: Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Brett Kulak, Evan Bouchard; Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, Darnell Nurse, Jake Walman
The Oilers' strategy of keeping Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on separate lines proved effective in Game 1, providing greater depth and offensive punch throughout the lineup. The bottom six forwards also played a significant role in the win.
With both teams opting for consistency, Game 2 promises to be a tightly contested affair.
