Major Loss for the Panthers in Game 1 Against the Oilers as Paul Maurice Announces Lineup

After what seems like an eternity, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals is finally upon us on Wednesday night, and with so much on the line between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, this should be an absolute thriller of a game and a series.

Now, ahead of Game 1, the Florida Panthers have announced an unfortunate injury, as veteran A.J. Greer is set to come out of the lineup, with solid depth piece Jesper Boqvist to get another shot in the lineup this post-season.

In 11 games played thus far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Boqvist has been a massive playoff riser for the Panthers, tallying 2 goals and 5 points in that time, showing exactly why this team is as feared as they are given their immense depth.

As for Greer, it's unclear when he'll be back in the lineup, as he's dealt with significant injury issues down the stretch this season, and given the impact he makes on both ends of the ice, it's safe to say that Florida fans will be hoping he can get back into the lineup soon.

Greer last played in Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes, suggesting that he may be good to go again for the Stanley Cup Finals, but now he's out of the lineup again, with question marks remaining over his health.

Offensively, the move to Boqvist is an upgrade, but defensively and physically, it's safe to say that it's a downgrade, and against a tough Edmonton Oilers team, we will now wait and see how things play out for the Panthers as they look to go back-to-back after taking them down a season ago.