Panthers' Aaron Ekblad gives major update on his injury ahead of crucial Game 3 against Oilers

Aaron Ekblad shared a positive update on his injury ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Florida Panthers defenseman took a shot to his left hand in Game 2.

The injury happened during the second overtime after a shot from Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse. Ekblad went to the bench in pain but returned for two more shifts before the game ended.

Fans were concerned about his status for Game 3. However, Ekblad practiced on Sunday. NHL insider Jameson Olive posted on X that Ekblad said:

"When you get that stinger you can’t really grip for a second, but all good now."

This is good news for the Panthers because Ekblad played a big role during this playoff run. He has 11 points in 15 games and averages nearly 24 minutes on the ice per game. He’s also helped Florida outshoot and outscore opponents while he’s on the ice. It is evident in his plus-minus rating of 11.

Coach Paul Maurice confirmed on Saturday that Ekblad is fine. The team needs him as they prepare for Game 3 in Florida. The series is tied 1-1 after two close games, both decided in overtime.

Game 3 will be played Monday night at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.

Panthers won Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final

Aaron Ekblad stayed in the game and got to celebrate the Panthers' Game 2 win after their double overtime goal against the Edmonton Oilers. Sam Bennett scored first on a power play early in the first period. Evander Kane tied it for Edmonton, then Evan Bouchard gave them a 2-1 lead. Seth Jones made it 2-2 soon after, but Leon Draisaitl scored on the power play to put the Oilers up 3-2.

In the second period, Dmitry Kulikov scored to tie it 3-3. Brad Marchand gave Florida a 4-3 lead with a short-handed breakaway. Corey Perry tied the game with 18 seconds left in regulation. Marchand scored again, 8:05 into double overtime, to win it.

Paul Maurice praised Marchand for the winning goal.

"Truly, he’s a unique human," Maurice said, via Chris Johnston on X. "In the northern parlance, he’s a beauty."

Florida's goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves. Now, Game 3 will be Monday night in Florida, and Ekblad and his team will look to take the lead at home.