Panthers forced to make significant lineup change for Game 5 in Toronto!
Paul Maurice had to confirm the change because of what took place in Game 4. More below:
It has been a rough series for Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues against the Toronto Maple Leafs in round 2 of the postseason.
The forward was knocked out of Game 4 after Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson interfered with him in front of the benches, five minutes into the third period. Rodrigues headed down the tunnel and did not return and on Wednesday, ahead of Game 5 later tonight in Toronto, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that he is forced to make lineup changes seeing that Rodrigues cannot play. He is replaced by Jesper Boqvist, per Chris Johnston.
Rodrigues has three assists in nine games for the Panthers in this year’s playoffs. He had 15 points during their Stanley Cup run last season.
The poor guy came under the spotlight earlier in the series when he received an embellishment call in Game 2 after being hit along the boards in the second period. Though he was visibly hurt.
“I didn’t find out until after the game… I didn’t have a clue,” Rodrigues said about the penalty. “I figured there was coincidental roughings. I couldn’t believe it. My brother texted me and I was shocked.”
Game 5 takes place later tonight in a now best out of three series.
