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    David Dwork
    David Dwork
    Jun 23, 2024, 21:13

    Both players are expected to suit up for Florida when they host the Oilers on Monday night in Sunrise

    Both players are expected to suit up for Florida when they host the Oilers on Monday night in Sunrise

    The Florida Panthers hit the ice on Sunday for their final full team practice of the season.

    On Monday, Florida will host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

    If the Panthers can avoid losing a fourth straight game, they will win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

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    The majority of the team took part in Sunday’s practice, with a couple notable absences.

    Defenseman Aaron Ekblad did not practice but will play in Game 7 on Monday, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said.

    Starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was also not on the ice, getting an extra day of rest ahead of what will be the biggest game of his life.

    As Maurice explained, Bob not skating is just part of what had been his usual routine throughout the regular season and playoffs.

    “The difference for us is the two-game blocks,” said Maurice. “He almost never skates the day before a game, and would always go morning (skate).”

    Bobrovsky entered the Cup Final as a favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy but has seen his play drop recently, allowing 15 goals over his past four outings.

    It’s not as simple as Bobrovsky struggling though, because the defense in front of him has also struggled.

    To put things in perspective, Bob and the Panthers had allowed three or more goals exactly four times during Florida’s entire playoff run: twice in the Tampa series, once to Boston and once to the Rangers.

    They have now allowed three or more goals in four consecutive games to Edmonton.

    Perhaps the added rest will help Bobrovsky, for his part, snap back into form, though his head coach did say he was pleased with what he saw from his tendy during Game 6 in Edmonton.

    “I liked his last game,” said Florida Head Coach Paul Maurice. “I thought he was strong and solid.”

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