3 Florida Panthers stars the team needs to step up in Game 2 vs. Oilers after Stanley Cup Final opener loss

The Florida Panthers lost Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals to the Edmonton Oilers in overtime on Thursday, as Florida allowed three unanswered goals to lose 4-3.

It was a disappointing defeat against the Oilers, and in Game 2, Florida will need some star players to step up to even up the series before it heads home.

3 Florida Panthers stars the team needs to step up in Game 2

#1 Matthew Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk is supposed to be one of the best players for the Panthers, and although he is clearly injured, he needs to play better.

Tkachuk is at his best when he is being physical and scoring goals around the net. In Game 1, Tkachuk never scored, and although he had just one assist, he didn't really stand out.

If Florida is going to even up the series and even win the Cup again, Tkachuk needs to be much better.

#2 Sam Reinhart

Sam Reinhart was a -1 in Game 1 - Source: Imagn

Sam Reinhart is one of the best goal scorers in the NHL, and the Florida Panthers need him to be that.

In Game 1, Reinhart didn't do much, as he didn't record a goal and was a -1. If Florida is going to even up the series and head back home tied, the Panthers need Reinhart to produce offensively and score some key goals.

Reinhart is also a key player on the Panthers' power play, which is crucial for Florida to have success on, as Edmonton is a very sound defensive team.

#3 Sergei Bobrovsky

Sergei Bobrovsky is one of the best goalies in the NHL, and he was good in Game 1, but he could be better.

Bobrovsky allowed a weak goal to Viktor Arvidsson that he would have loved to have back. Bobrovsky is one of the best goalies in the NHL for a reason, and he should bounce back.

If Florida is going to even up the series, the biggest reason why will likely be Bobrovsky. The Russian goalie is capable of stealing games and not allowing a single goal.

Game 2 is set for Friday, June 6, at 8 p.m. ET in Edmonton.