Ryan Lomberg slots into Panthers lineup for Game 5 with ‘a full tank of gas’

With a chance to win the Stanley Cup on home ice, the Florida Panthers are making a lineup change.

Head coach Paul Maurice confirmed to reporters ahead of Game 5, that forward Ryan Lomberg will play Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

Lomberg, 29, hasn’t played in the Cup Final to this point and last suited up on May 26, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers.

In five playoff games this year, Lomberg has yet to record a point.

“Great energy that he brings to our room,” Maurice said of the sixth-year forward. “But to give him credit, he also brings it when he wasn’t in the lineup. The last change was made after a couple of overtime losses. We shifted players in and out, then we rip off six in a row, and I’m not looking for a change at that point.

“But god, (Lomberg) had a great week in that time… He was really good in practice and warmups, pumping tires and making sure everybody feels good.”

Lomberg is geared up for the opportunity to play in his first-ever Stanley Cup Final game.

“I got a full tank of gas,” he told reporters early Tuesday.

You can watch Game 5 between the Panthers and Oilers on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ tonight at 8 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. MT.