Florida Panthers get one player back from injury, major concern for 2 star forwards

Oilers star forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is listed as a game time decision today, and there's some speculation he could be dealing with an injury. The Panthers will get one player back today, but have big problems themselves.

According to Panthers coach Paul Maurice, the only change Florida will make to their lineup is inserting grinder forward AJ Greer in place of Jesper Boqvist.

Greer is far from a star player, but he could cause some problems for the Edmonton Oilers. In 81 games this year Greer only scored 17 points, but registered 130 penalty minutes. At 6'3 and 209 pounds, he'll use his physical play to wear down the Oilers - and he doesn't shy away from playing dirty.

It's good to get their grinder forward back in the series, but Florida has 2 major concerns with Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk who don't seem anywhere near themselves.

Sam Reinhart only has 4 goals in this year's playoffs after scoring 57 for the Panthers last season. He entered the playoffs with an injury, and missed time in the third round, so it's likely he's still feeling the effects of injury. Reinhart's shooting is one skill that's noticeably off.

Matthew Tkachuk also hasn't been anywhere near star level through the Cup Final. At time he noticeably seems to be struggling while skating, especially as games reached into overtime.

By this time of the playoffs, nearly every player is nursing some injury. It's texted the point where it's a war of attrition, and hopefully, the Oilers can stay healthy and battling long enough to win it all.