Florida Panthers forward Kyle Okposo is set to participate in the postseason for the first time in eight years on Thursday as he hits the ice for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Okposo, aged 36, last appeared in the playoffs on May 8, 2016.
He will be stepping into the lineup due to Ryan Lomberg being sidelined with illness. Panthers coach Paul Maurice commented on Okposo’s anticipation for the game, noting his excitement and professionalism.
Maurice emphasized Okposo’s attention to detail and highlighted the significance of this playoff opportunity for him, recognizing that there may not be many more playoff seasons in his career.
The Florida Panthers currently hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Despite this, Kyle Okposo has yet to register a point in any of the six games he has played with the Panthers this season.
He was acquired by Florida on March 8 from the Buffalo Sabres, where he tallied 22 points (12 goals, 10 assists) in 61 games. Throughout his career spanning 1,051 games, Okposo has amassed 614 points (242 goals, 372 assists) while playing for the New York Islanders (2007-2016), Sabres (2016-2024), and now the Panthers.
Okposo was initially selected by the Islanders with the seventh overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft.
