Panthers add Nick Cousins to lineup for Game 6 vs. Oilers

Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins will be in the team’s lineup for Game 6 against the Edmonton Oilers, head coach Paul Maurice told reporters Thursday.

Cousins hasn’t suited up since May 26 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers.

The 11-year pro has played 11 games this post-season, recording one assist and 20 penalty minutes with a minus-one rating.

Cousins faced criticism during the regular season in December after his hit from behind on Columbus Blue Jackets’ Erik Gudbranson. Later in the same game, Gudbranson instigated a fight with Cousins in retaliation and received a one-game suspension for his actions. Cousins initially received a major penalty for the hit, but it was reduced to a minor after review.

Veteran forward Kyle Okposo is expected to be scratched in place of Cousins.

The Panthers are up 3-2 on the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final and have a chance to clinch the franchise’s first championship in Game 6 at Rogers Place.

You can watch the game Friday at 8 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.