NOTEBOOK: Panthers prep for Game 5; A new face on the ice

LAS VEGAS -- It was business as usual for the Florida Panthers on Monday.

Despite facing a 3-1 series deficit in the Stanley Cup Final heading into a do-or-die Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, the mood on the ice during practice at T-Mobile Arena was noticeably upbeat as the collective confidence among players remains very strong.

"It's the same routine we've had all playoffs," veteran center Eric Staal said. "Today, we had a good meeting, good skate. We got out there, got a good sweat and prepared as we would [for any game] for tomorrow. Obviously, it's a situation where we have to win. I've been there before. I've been on the other side of it. I've been in the Stanley Cup Final up 3-1. It's not easy. There's pressure there."

There's no question the road ahead is difficult.

But it's a path the Panthers have traversed before.

Facing an identical 3-1 series deficit against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Boston Bruins in Round 1, the Panthers knew all they had to do was win Game 5 on the road to get the series back to South Florida for Game 6. If they could then win that game, then anything would be possible in Game 7.

Three straight wins later, the Panthers found themselves moving on to Round 2.

This time around, the challenge is exactly the same. The Panthers have to win three straight games to stun the hockey world once again. Oddly enough, even the idea of stringing together three straight playoff wins isn't that farfetched. In fact, they've done it in every series so far.

That being said, three isn't the number they're focusing on.

It all starts with one.

"We're not out of the fight," defenseman Josh Mahura said confidently. "We're going to take this series one game at a time like we've talked about. We're just going to focus on tomorrow."

As for the who will suit up for the Panthers in Game 5, that remains to be seen.

With practices continuing to be optional at this stage of the season, forwards Matthew Tkachuk, Nick Cousins and Eetu Luostarinen, as well as defensemen Radko Gudas and Brandon Montour, were among the group of players that were not seen during Monday's on-ice session in Sin City.

Luostarinen has been out of action since suffering an undisclosed injury while blocking a shot during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final, while Tkachuk was limited to just a handful of shifts during a 3-2 loss to the Knights in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday.

Tkachuk, who leads the Panthers in goals (11), assists (13), points (24) and plus/minus (+12) during the playoffs, was the victim of a big hit from Vegas forward Keegan Kolesar in Game 3.

Anthony Duclair, who also missed time during Game 4, was a full participant in practice.

In general, it's best not to look too deeply into who is and who isn't practicing at this time of the season, especially when players are given the option to rest up. Additionally, it's unlikely we hear what any player has or hasn't been dealing with injury-wise until the playoffs end.

With that, there were no lineup notes from Paul Maurice after practice.

"You'll get all big information tomorrow," the Panthers head coach said.

A NEW FACE ON THE ICE

Helping fill the void left by Monday's absences was Grigori Denisenko.

Joining the Panthers for their trip to Las Vegas after spending the playoffs skating with the Black Aces (a common hockey term used to describe a team's group of reserves) up until this point, the 22-year-old forward was on the ice for practice and took rushes on the fourth line.

For a young player, an experience like this is invaluable.

"They've been watching the games and they've been around," Maurice said. "Now they get to kind of get into that inner circle. What's important, whether he plays or he doesn't, when you're traveling with that group of 25 you get to see how they interact with each other, how they treat each other and what it's like. It's close-knit. Whether you play or not, you get to learn."

Selected by the Panthers with the 15th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Denisenko pieced together his best professional season in 2022-23. Suiting up in 56 games with Florida's AHL affiliate in Charlotte, the gifted Russian posted a career-high 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists).

Appearing in 26 games in the NHL over parts of three seasons, he's tallied seven assists.

"It's great to have him here," said Mahura, who pointed out the important role the Black Aces play. "I'm sure it's a lot of fun for him to be out there. It brings a lot of fresh energy, for sure."

GAME 5 WATCH PARTY

The Panthers will be holding another watch party at FLA Live Arena for Game 5 on Tuesday.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, with puck drop set for 8 p.m. ET.

As it was for previous watch parties, the cost of entry is $10, with proceeds benefitting the Florida Panthers Foundation. Tickets include complimentary parking and a general-admission seat. Both Pantherland and select concession stands will be open for the watch party.

To purchase tickets, click

HERE

.