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Panthers' Gustav Forsling prioritizes shutting down top lines ahead of Stanley Cup Final showdown against Oilers
Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling said he wants to shut down the opponent's top line as the team prepares for its second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. At a press conference before Game 1 versus the Edmonton Oilers, Forsling said he's all about defense.
Against the Oilers, the Panthers need to stop Edmonton's strong top line. Forsling's job of shutting down the other team's best scorers has been big in the playoffs. Even though Forsling can score important goals, he focuses more on defense.
"Definitely shutting down the opponent's top line. That's kind of my job. The goals are just a bonus, to be honest. I take pride in defense first," Forsling said (via NHL.com).
The Panthers had a great season, winning 52 games, the second-most in team history. They're only the third NHL team since 1984 to make it back to the Final after losing. The 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins and the 1984 Oilers did it too, and they both won when they came back.
The next series is a big deal for both teams. The Panthers want to make history by winning their first Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, the Oilers hope to break Canada's dry spell and be the first Canadian team since the 1993 Montreal Canadiens to win it all. Game 1 starts Saturday in Sunrise, Florida.
Former Blackhawks GM's controversy with Gustav Forsling
Former Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman made multiple errors in player management, including mishandling defenseman Gustav Forsling. Forsling is key to the Florida Panthers and excels on the ice with impressive stats. He just signed a contract extension with the team in March 2024.
His stats for this season are:-
- Games Played (GP): 79
- Goals (G): 10
- Assists (A): 29
- Points (PTS): 39
- Plus/Minus (+/-): 56
- Penalty Minutes (PIM): 43
- Shots (S): 160
- Time on Ice per Game (TOI/G): 22 minutes and 8 seconds
Bowman's trade moves involving Forsling showed inconsistency and lack of foresight. Despite Forsling's potential, he struggled under Bowman's tenure. He shuttled between NHL and AHL teams. Bowman's overall record as GM was marred by questionable decisions.
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