The Florida Panthers continue to march toward their second-straight Stanley Cup championship this spring. They head into a critical Game 4 on Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers, looking to take a 3-1 series lead.
A win gives the Cats a commanding lead. A loss evens the series, sending it back to Edmonton as a best-of-three.
So, as the Florida Panthers look to get a firm grasp on the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, here’s a look at three key players to watch in Game 4
3 key Florida Panthers players to watch in Game 4 of 2025 Stanley Cup Final
Evan Rodrigues
Evan Rodrigues has flown under the radar for much of this postseason. While he’s been in the spotlight from time to time, his overall performance has largely gone unnoticed amid Brad Marchand’s heroics or Sam Bennett’s Conn Smythe-worthy showing.
The Panthers will be counting on Rodrigues to continue playing a crucial role for the Panthers, either in a top-six role or as a grinder later in the game. If he can continue providing Paul Maurice with solid play, Rodrigues could be a catalyst for a Game 4 victory.
Dmitry Kulikov
Dmitry Kulikov is another quiet player who’s been solid throughout the postseason. He’s avoided costly mistakes while providing grit and toughness alongside Nath Schmidt in the bottom pair.
Fans should keep an eye on Kulikov as the Oilers will be looking to come out flying in Game 4. Their embarrassing showing on Monday night is something Edmonton will look to wipe clean with a dominant performance in Game 4.
So, fans should keep an eye on Kulikov as the Oilers may provide him with an opportunity to shine, especially as the game wears on.
Eetu Luostarinen
Eetu Luostarinen has been one of the Florida Panthers’ best-kept secrets this postseason. He’s played well, shown plenty of physicality, and has chipped in offensively. He’s stabilized the bottom six on what has been the postseason’s best third line with Anton Lundell and the 'Rat King' himself, Brad Marchand.
As the Oilers focus on stopping the Panthers’ top six, Luostarinen could be thrust into a position to play the hero.
Luostarinen and Marchand, for that matter, could be the ones to deliver the death blow to the Oilers in Game 4, allowing the Cats to take a 3-1 series lead. Fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Paul Maurice leaning more on his third line, particularly if the game grinds to a halt like on Monday night.