Luostarinen progressing 'very well,' expected to play in Game 1 of SCF

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Eetu Luostarinen is on the right track.

After sustaining an injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Florida Panthers forward isn't expected to miss any of the Stanley Cup Final, which will begin on Saturday, June 3 against either the Vegas Golden Knights or Dallas Stars.

Nick Cousins, who has missed recent practices, is also expected to be good to go.

"Both progressing very, very well," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said of the two important top-nine forwards following Monday's practice at FLA Live Arena. "We expect them in Game 1."

Earning some extra time to heal up after the Panthers completed their sweep of Carolina, Luostarinen's injury occurred during the second period of Game 4 when he blocked a shot.

Fresh off a breakout regular season in which he posted new career-high marks in goals (17), assists (26) and points (43), Luostarinen has produced five points (two goals, three assists) over the first 16 games of the playoffs while playing mostly on the left side of the third line.

"He's always been really skilled," Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said of Luostarinen earlier this season. "He knows the game really well. He knows what to do with and without the puck. He's smart and good with his stick. It was just a matter of time until he started to play this well."

Joining forces with Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart, Florida has led 4-2 in goals and 52-50 in scoring chances at 5-on-5 when Luostarinen's line has been deployed on the ice in the playoffs.

One of the top-defensive forwards on the Panthers, Luostarinen has also racked up 37 hits, 13 blocked shots and 11 takeaways, while also skating 27:58 on the penalty kill in the postseason.

In Game 6 against the Boston Bruins in Round 1, the young Finn scored the game-winning goal.

"I think it was probably the biggest goal of my career so far," Luostarinen said at the time.

Stay tuned for more updates on Luostarinen's status in the coming days.