Okposo skated on Florida's third line and also saw time on the second power play unit

Veteran forward Kyle Okposo skated in his first game as a member of the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night in Dallas.

He played 10:34 over 17 shifts against the Stars, including 43 seconds of power play time on Florida’s second unit, with Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, Vladimir Tarasenko and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

He finished with one shot on goal, three hits and an even plus-minus rating.

Looking into some of Tuesday’s advanced stats, Okposo’s line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen did fairly well.

They held a slight advantage in terms of shot attempts while at even strength, but actual shots were 6-2 in Florida’s favor when the Lundy line was on the ice.

“I liked it,” Maurice said of Okposo’s Panthers debut. “He’s just a smart, cagey veteran. He made a lot of smart plays.”

There may have been more ice time for Okposo had the game seen more play at even strength. Between Florida and Dallas, there were a total of nine power play opportunities on Tuesday.

Even while off the ice, the veteran and former captain found ways to remain engaged in the game and with his teammates.

“I like what he says on the bench,” Maurice said. “He's very aware of what's going on. He could tell we weren’t going right, so he kept his game very simple.”

How Maurice and the Panthers utilize Okposo moving forward will be something to monitor.

Tuesday, he skated in the spot that is normally taken by Evan Rodrigues, who was held out of the game with a lower-body injury.

Rodrigues could return to the lineup as soon as Thursday in Carolina. Does he reclaim his spot on the Lundell line, or will Maurice have to make additional line alterations?

This is what happens when a team is incredibly deep.

It’s a good problem for Florida to have. 

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