Some Huge Florida Panthers Lineup News For Game 5

Trying to fend off elimination in Game 5 Wednesday night at TD Garden, the Florida Panthers got some huge news Tuesday morning, as head coach Paul Maurice announced that both Aaron Ekblad and Anthony Duclair will be back after one-game absences. 

Paul Maurice says Aaron Ekblad and Anthony Duclair good to return for #FlaPanthers tomorrow in Boston.

— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 25, 2023

Maurice confirmed the incoming troops after practice on Tuesday.  

Ekblad went down after a collision with Charlie McAvoy in Game 3. 

Aaron Ekblad heads to the dressing room following this collision. pic.twitter.com/iXE8eBTTvS

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 22, 2023

The Panthers' first-pairing D-man has had his share of injuries at this time of year in the past, as a broken leg cost him the entire playoffs in 2020-21, while another lower-body injury cost him about six weeks at the end of the 2021-22 regular season before returning in last spring's playoffs. Thankfully, this absence will be limited to a single game.

As for Duclair, he missed all but 20 games this season recovering from an Achilles injury, but he, too, will be returning after just one game for an undisclosed ailment. 

As for others, neither Sam Bennett nor Ryan Lomberg skated today, but Maurice said "one of them" will play in Game 5 while the other will be a game-time decision.

The Panthers will need all hands on deck to keep their season alive. 

Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports