Florida has been able to utilize different forward line makeups, with a head coach that knows what buttons to push

The Florida Panthers are ready to get back to work ahead of their matchup with the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Florida took a couple days off after eliminating the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of their second round series on Friday night at TD Garden.

The Panthers flew home the following day and did not hold a formal practice or any media availabilities on Sunday, instead choosing to prioritize resting and recuperating ahead of what should be a heavyweight battle with the Presidents’ Trophy winning Rangers.

On Monday, the Cats will hit the ice for what will be their first official practice since advancing to the conference finals for the second year in a row.

It will be interesting to see how Florida’s line rushes look when they take the ice at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale on Monday.

The Panthers closed out the Bruins with their middle six centers swapped, bumping Anton Lundell up between Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk while moving Sam Bennett to the third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Evan Rodrigues.

The likely scenario is that Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice elects to open the series with his lines in the familiar spot they opened Game 6. Often times over the past couple months, it’s been that grouping that has provided Florida steady, consistent play at a level Maurice can be pleased with.

However, Maurice has several cards he can play when the team needs a jolt. Combining Tkachuk and Sasha Barkov is one, and now he knows another can be moving Lundell up with any of the big boys.

As long as Florida can stay healthy and Maurice continues to make the right moves at the right times, which he’s proven to do time and time again, you’d think the sky is the limit for this squad.

The Panthers will likely practice again on Tuesday before heading to the airport and boarding a flight to New York.

Game 1 between the Cats and Rangers is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. 

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