After the Panthers surrendered a final-minute Oilers goal to force overtime, they recovered thanks to Marchand's breakaway tally at 8:05 of the second overtime period, his second tally of the night.

Seth Jones collected one goal and one assist while Sam Bennett and Dmitry Kulikov notched singles for the Panthers, who tied the best-of-seven series at 1. Nate Schmidt and Anton Lundell added a pair of assists for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves, his biggest against a Kasperi Kapanen chance off a rush minutes before the winner.

Both games went to overtime after the Panthers surrendered third-period leads.

The series moves to Sunrise, Fla., for Game 3 on Monday.

Evan Bouchard scored once in a three-point game for the Oilers, while Leon Draisaitl netted one goal and one assist and Evander Kane and Corey Perry scored once. Connor McDavid posted three assists and goalie Stuart Skinner stopped 37 shots.

Just like the series opener, both teams staked and lost a lead. Bennett kicked off the wild first period with his league-high 13th goal of the playoffs, a quick-release, power-play marker at the 2:07 mark.

The Oilers responded with a pair of tallies 100 seconds apart before the midway point of the frame. Kane put the hosts on the board at 7:39 by burying a shot off the wing, and Bouchard gave Edmonton its first lead right after when his second attempt from the high slot found the sweet spot.

Jones evened the score at 11:37 of the period when he found an open net after a cross-ice feed from Eetu Luostarinen. However, Draisaitl made it a 3-2 game exactly one minute later with a tap-in power-play goal set up by McDavid.

Kulikov again tied the clash at 8:23 of the second period, banking his point shot off Bouchard's body, and Marchand's short-handed breakaway goal, gave the Panthers a 4-3 edge at 12:09 of the second period.

But with the goalie pulled for the extra attacker, Perry chipped into the net a loose puck with 17.8 seconds remaining in regulation, the latest tying goal in Finals history.

In 80 games during the 2024-25 season, O'Connor had 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) and finished 29th in voting for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given to the top defensive forward.

In seven NHL seasons, all with the Avalanche, the 28-year-old has 103 points (45 goals, 58 assists) in 343 career games.

DeBoer, 56, posted a 149-68-29 record during the regular season, however the Stars fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in 2023 and the Edmonton Oilers in six and five games in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

DeBoer came under fire for pulling standout goaltender Jake Oettinger after the latter surrendered two goals on the first two shots he faced in a season-ending 6-3 setback to Edmonton in Game 5 on May 29.

"After careful consideration, we believe that a new voice is needed in our locker room to push us closer to our goal of winning the Stanley Cup," Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "We'd like to thank Pete for everything that he has helped our organization achieve over the past three seasons and wish him nothing but the best moving forward."

DeBoer has posted a 662-447-152 coaching record with the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Golden Knights and Stars. He guided the Devils to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 and the Sharks to the finals in 2016.

Florida appeared to have the series opener in hand when they held a 3-1 lead early in the second period, and even when it was a one-goal edge in the third period. However, the Panthers received the whole Oilers treatment when that lead disappeared and became a 4-3 overtime loss on Wednesday.

And now the pressure is on Florida.

"We've said it a bunch, it's that ‘us against the world' mindset," Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said. "But you really feel it, especially being down in a series ... in a hostile environment and we feel like that's when we're at our best. So hopefully we can use that to our advantage."

The result ended the Panthers' run of 29 consecutive playoff victories when leading after the second period. For so many of those wins, it was Florida that was able to put down the hammer and close out the clash.

Instead, the Oilers took control and outshot the visitors 14-2 in the third period and 10-6 in extra time, capped by Leon Draisaitl's second goal of the game at 19:29 of overtime.

It was a pulsating way to start this rematch of last year's final.

"They're better, we're better. It's going to be a great series," Tkachuk said.

A saving grace for the Panthers is their experience and ability to handle the ups and downs of a playoff series. They erased a 2-0 series deficit to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round.

"We learn more from adversity than we do from winning," forward Carter Verhaeghe said. "I think every time you lose games or go through a series where you're down, or losing in the cup final a couple years ago, you learn a lot. It's just sticking with it and being mentally strong."

The Oilers, who never led last year's finals meeting with Florida in what was a thrilling seven-game series, know they have the upper hand, but are also aware of the importance of a follow-up victory in Game 2.

After all, home-ice advantage only makes a difference if you win those games at home, and the Oilers have a sparkling 7-1 playoff mark before their frenzied faithful.

"They're going to flush it," said defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who netted the third-period game-tying goal. "They're going to come back better for Game 2. ... We know we've got three more wins to go, and it's going to be a battle."

The victory not only gives Edmonton a 4-0 record in overtime clashes this spring, but it was the fourth third-period comeback of the playoffs and seventh when trailing at any point. As much as the Oilers would love to win each and every game with a wire-to-wire lead, they never feel out of a game when they trail.

Then again, when your team boasts a dynamic offensive duo of Connor McDavid (who collected two assists and set up the winning goal) and Draisaitl, a comeback is always possible.

"Our room's always kind of the same," defenseman Darnell Nurse said. "The guys are focused on the task at hand. I think it comes from the maturity of the group."

They showed it again on a night Draisaitl netted his third overtime winner in this year's playoffs and 50th career playoff tally.

"It's tough to describe," Draisaitl said. "You're obviously locked in, and especially on the power play, you're looking to finish it. ... It's a special feeling. It's great for right now, but we've got to look ahead and get ready for Game 2."

Sturm, 46, will be a head coach for the first time in the league.

The Bruins punched their ticket to the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons before limping to an Atlantic Division-worst 33-39-10 record in 2024-25. Boston replaced head coach Jim Montgomery after 20 games on Nov. 19, with interim head coach Joe Sacco finishing the season with a 25-30-7 mark.

Sturm said he welcomes the opportunity to preside over a team he represented from 2005-10.

"I'm incredibly honored to be named head coach of the Boston Bruins," Sturm said. "I want to thank Charlie Jacobs and the Jacobs family, (Bruins president) Cam Neely, and (general manager) Don Sweeney for trusting me with this opportunity. Boston has always held a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means to the city and to our fans. I've felt that passion as a player, and I can't wait to be behind the bench and feel it again. I'm excited to get to work and do everything I can to help this team succeed."

Sweeney credited Sturm's attention to defensive hockey as one of the reasons for his hiring.

"Throughout this process, our goal was to identify a coach who could uphold our strong defensive foundation while helping us evolve offensively," Sweeney said. "We were also looking for a communicator and leader -- someone who connects with players, develops young talent, and earns the respect of the room."

Sturm has coached Ontario of the American Hockey League for the past three seasons, guiding the Reign to the playoffs in all three campaigns.

Sturm totaled 487 points (242 goals, 245 assists) in 938 career games with the San Jose Sharks, Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers. He was traded from the Sharks to the Bruins as part of the Joe Thornton deal on Nov. 30, 2005.

Sturm is Germany's all-time leader in NHL games played.

Edmonton erased a 3-1 deficit in regulation and made Florida pay for Tomas Nosek's delay-of-game penalty late in overtime.

Corey Perry fed superstar captain Connor McDavid, who returned the favor with a cross-slot feed to an unmarked Draisaitl for an easy conversion from the right circle. Draisaitl's goal was second of the night and ninth of the postseason -- with three coming in overtime.

Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman Mattias Ekholm each scored a goal, McDavid and Kasperi Kapanen both notched two assists and Stuart Skinner made 29 saves for the Oilers, who will host Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Friday night.

Florida's Sam Bennett scored twice to set a franchise record with 12 goals this postseason. Eleven of his goals have come on the road, tying the NHL postseason record set by Mark Scheifele in 2018.

Brad Marchand also tallied, Carter Verhaeghe and defenseman Nate Schmidt each notched two assists and Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 42 shots for the Panthers.

Bennett extended Florida's lead to 3-1 after accepting Schmidt's seam pass before shifting from backhand to forehand before beating Skinner two minutes into the second period.

Arvidsson's shot from above the left circle handcuffed Bobrovsky to halve the deficit 1:17 later.

McDavid's saucer feed from behind the net found Ekholm, who wired a shot from the left circle to level the contest at 6:33 of the third.

After being shut out in Game 1 of last year's Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton got the early jump just 66 seconds into the game.

Defenseman Jake Walman's shot from just above the left circle fluttered in on Bobrovsky, who was unable to glove the puck. Kapanen's response was denied by Bobrovsky, however Draisaitl alertly converted from the right doorstep to open the scoring.

The Panthers forged a 1-1 tie at 10:49 of the first after Verhaeghe's shot caromed in off Bennett while the latter was falling into Skinner. Edmonton unsuccessfully challenged the play, with video review showing Bennett was tripped by Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak before making contact with Skinner.

The Oilers' unsuccessful challenge resulted in a power play for Florida.

Schmidt's diagonal pass from the left circle found Marchand at the doorstep for an easy conversion to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead with 7:30 remaining in the first.

"I think we're in really good shape, having really good discussions," Bettman said. "We're in a really good place in terms of our relationship."

Bettman let reporters know that no deal was ready to be announced, but he also noted that the sides are at an early stage of negotiations.

The league and the NHLPA began meeting in April, with the current CBA set to expire after the 2025-26 season.

NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh struck a similar positive tone on Wednesday, describing their progress as being steady and that he felt good about where talks stood.

The NHL last experienced a work stoppage during the 2012-13 season, when teams managed to play just 48 games apiece (as opposed to the normal 82 games). The league has only once lost an entire season due to lockout, in 2004-05. There were also stoppages in 1994-95 and 1992.

Both sides expect talks to continue throughout the finals.

"We are having very constructive, professional, cordial dialogue," Bettman added.

Also on Wednesday, NHL officials spoke on the topics of the Olympics and expansion, acknowledging that Russian players, at present, are still ineligible to compete at the upcoming Winter Olympics games in Milan, Italy.

On expansion, it was noted that the league continues to receive interest from different markets about adding teams, but the NHL has no immediate plans to expand.

Per multiple media reports, the leading expansion candidates are Atlanta and Houston.

The award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players' Association.

Kucherov, who also won it in 2018-19, was a finalist last season along with Colorado Avalanche teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. MacKinnon won the award last season.

Kucherov, 31, won his second straight Art Ross Trophy after leading the NHL in scoring with 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists). He also led the league in power-play points with 46 (eight goals, 38 assists).

While the Panthers are seeking to repeat, the Oilers opened as series favorites at many sportsbooks. But winning Game 1 at home will be critical in Edmonton's quest to win the franchise's first Stanley Cup since 1990.

ODDS & TRENDS

The Oilers are consensus 1.0-goal favorites ahead of Game 1, although many sportsbooks had the line sitting at 1.5 midday Wednesday. That included BetRivers, where the Panthers have been backed by 65 percent of the spread-line bets and 60 percent of the money.

However, Edmonton has been the more popular moneyline choice at -132, drawing 61 and 70 percent of the action, respectively. That includes a $4,000 wager on the Oilers' moneyline when it was sitting at +123.

The total goals scored line of 6.0 has seen the Over backed by 82 percent of the bets and 90 percent of the money. While it's a high goal total, seven of Florida's past eight road games have hit the Over.

It's also important to note that the Panthers have a five-game road winning streak and have covered the puck line in five of their past six games.

PROP PICKS

--Carter Verhaeghe to Score (+255 at DraftKings): Verhaeghe has found the net just twice in his past eight games, but the Florida center has scored in each of these teams' past three meetings.

--Connor McDavid to Score (+155 at BetRivers): This has been the book's most wagered-on prop for Game 1 in both total bets (3.1 percent) and money (1.9 percent). He tallied nine of his 26 playoff points (six goals, 20 assists) in Edmonton's five-game series win over the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals, and the three-time Hart Trophy recipient has totaled four assists in two meetings versus the Panthers this season.

THE NEWS

This marks the first Stanley Cup rematch since the Pittsburgh Penguins responded to a six-game loss to Detroit in 2008 with a seven-game series victory over the Red Wings in 2009.

While all eyes will be on McDavid and fellow former Hart Trophy recipient Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers will need strong performances at the other end of the ice if they are to reverse fortunes from last year.

Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner has a tall task ahead of him as he squares off against two-time Vezina Trophy recipient Sergei Bobrovsky for the second straight final.

"He's one of the best goalies in the world," Skinner said of Bobrovsky, who has notched one shutout in each round this spring. "He's impressive. He skates well. Technically, I don't think there's much wrong with him in my perspective. He's exceptional."

Florida coach Paul Maurice praised both clubs for what they've done to address perceived weaknesses.

"Each of us going into last year had a definable strength. They're a really good offensive team and we were close to being the best defensive team," Maurice said. "I don't think that's changed for either team. What both teams have done is added to the other parts. ... We both improved a part of our game that wasn't a part of our strengths, and our strengths are still as good as they've ever been."

The Panthers are making their third consecutive Stanley Cup appearance off strong play on the road. They are 8-2 away from home in the playoffs.

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov has totaled 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 17 playoff games, including seven (three goals, four assists) in his team's five-game series win over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals.

Barkov was named as the winner of the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward for the third time in his career on Monday. He also won the King Clancy Trophy for noteworthy humanitarian contributions.

THEY SAID IT

"It can be draining just dealing with the emotion. You feel closer, then there's a big circus. It can feel like it's larger than it is. At the end of the day, it's another series, and we're playing another great team. And we'll have to beat them before anything else happens. They have our complete focus. All of our energy is going into beating the Florida Panthers. There should be nothing else on anyone's mind." -- McDavid, on what lies ahead for his team as it prepares for a rematch with the Panthers.

Muse has been an NHL assistant coach for the past five seasons, including the past two with the New York Rangers. At 42 years old, Muse is eclipsed by only San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky (37) as the youngest head coach in the league.

This will be Muse's first head coaching job in the NHL. Terms were not released by the Penguins.

"During this process, we met with many candidates who we felt would have been a fit as the next head coach of the Penguins, but ultimately, Dan Muse stood out as the best choice. What separated Dan was his ability to develop players, win at all levels where he has been a head coach and his consistent success coaching special teams in the NHL," Penguins president Kyle Dubas said in the release.

Muse replaces Mike Sullivan, who parted ways with the Penguins in late April. Sullivan was hired by the Rangers days later.

Muse, also an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators from 2017-20, served as head coach of the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (2015-17). Muse also has head coaching experience with USA Hockey.

Dubas also noted Muse's success in leading the penalty kill units for both the Predators and the Rangers.

"Additionally, his leadership of special teams units at the NHL level in both Nashville and New York produced elite results consistently. His overall body of work, attention to detail and vision for our group showed us that he is the best coach to take our team forward," Dubas said.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, however multiple media outlets reported it was worth a total of $22.5 million and carries an average annual value of $7.5 million.

Nelson, 33, recorded 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) in 80 games split between the New York Islanders and Avalanche in the 2024-25 season, He was acquired by the Avalanche on March 6 after spending 11-plus seasons with the Islanders.

"My family and I are excited to be staying in Colorado," Nelson said. "Having spent my entire career with one organization, we weren't totally sure what to expect when we arrived in Denver. But getting the opportunity to play for the Avalanche, to compete with a great group of teammates in that locker room, and in front of the tremendous fans at Ball Arena, we knew this was where we wanted to stay."

Nelson could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

"We're thrilled to have reached an agreement with Brock to keep him in Colorado for the next three seasons," Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said. "He's been a great center in this league for a long time, and he brings professionalism and a dedicated work ethic on and off the ice. We think he's a great fit and is a stabilizing presence to our second-line center role with his size and ability to touch all areas of the ice.

"We're excited to see what his contributions will be over a larger sample size with the Avalanche."

Nelson has totaled 587 points (301 goals, 286 assists) in 920 career games. He was selected by the Islanders with the 30th overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft.

Several feet behind McDavid, however, was a big picture of Florida alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk celebrating with the Stanley Cup. That image, which was taken after the Panthers captured a seven-game series win over the Oilers last June, likely was fresh in McDavid's mind.

McDavid will try to take the first step toward authoring a different ending when the teams play Game 1 of the best-of-seven series on Wednesday in Edmonton.

"It can be draining just dealing with the emotion," McDavid said. "You feel closer, then there's a big circus. It can feel like it's larger than it is.

"At the end of the day, it's another series, and we're playing another great team. And we'll have to beat them before anything else happens. They have our complete focus. All of our energy is going into beating the Florida Panthers. There should be nothing else on anyone's mind."

With the teams meeting again, it marks the first Stanley Cup rematch since the Pittsburgh Penguins responded to a six-game loss to Detroit in 2008 with a seven-game series victory over the Red Wings in 2009.

McDavid has excelled during this playoff run, recording nine of his 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in Edmonton's five-game series win over the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals.

The three-time Hart Trophy recipient has totaled four assists in two meetings versus the Panthers this season, albeit the end result was a pair of one-goal losses for Edmonton.

While all eyes will be on McDavid and fellow former Hart Trophy recipient Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers will need strong performances at the other end of the ice if they are to capture their first Stanley Cup title since 1990.

Stuart Skinner, the Oilers' goaltender, has a tall task ahead of him as he squares off against two-time Vezina Trophy recipient Sergei Bobrovsky for the second straight final.

"He's one of the best goalies in the world," Skinner said of Bobrovsky, who has notched one shutout in each round this spring. "He's impressive. He skates well. Technically, I don't think there's much wrong with him in my perspective. He's exceptional."

Florida head coach Paul Maurice praised both clubs for what they've done to address perceived weaknesses.

"Each of us going into last year had a definable strength. They're a really good offensive team and we were close to being the best defensive team," Maurice said. "I don't think that's changed for either team. What both teams have done is added to the other parts. ... We both improved a part of our game that wasn't a part of our strengths, and our strengths are still as good as they've ever been."

The Panthers are making their third consecutive Stanley Cup appearance off strong play on the road. They are 8-2 away from home in the playoffs.

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov has totaled 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 17 playoff games, including seven (three goals, four assists) in his team's five-game series win over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals.

Barkov was named as the winner of the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward for the third time in his career on Monday. He also won the King Clancy Trophy for noteworthy humanitarian contribution.

Cates, 26, recorded a career-high 16 goals to go along with 21 assists and a plus-3 rating in 78 games this season with the Flyers.

He was playing in the final campaign of a two-year, $5.25 million contract and was set to become a restricted free agent this offseason.

Cates has totaled 102 points (40 goals, 62 assists) in 235 career games since being selected by Philadelphia in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut on March 29, 2022.

Fast, 33, played his final four seasons in Carolina and was a playoff hero for the Hurricanes in the spring of 2023. He sustained a neck injury in the final regular season game of the 2023-24 season vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets and did not compete in Carolina's recently-concluded campaign.

Fast was one of several prominent veteran players who did not dress for any games during the season due to injury. Torey Krug (St. Louis), T.J. Oshie (Washington) and Tucker Poolman (Colorado) were also on long-term injured reserve in 2024-25.

Fast spent his first seven seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers and earned their alternate captain sweater from 2017-20.

"I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world," said Fast. "I am grateful for all of the teammates, coaches, staff and fans from the Rangers and Hurricanes who made my time in the NHL so special, and for my family for everything they did to help me achieve and live my dream."

The native of Nassjo, Sweden was an unheralded sixth-round draft pick by the Rangers in 2010 (157th overall), but surpassed a vast majority of more celebrated members of that draft class, currently ranking 24th with 94 goals and 248 points in 703 career games.

Fast debuted with the Rangers in October of the 2013-14 season, but did not record his first point until dishing out an assist in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals vs. Philadelphia.

He scored 55 goals and added 92 assists for the Rangers from 2013-20 and came up clutch in the playoffs, tallying three goals in both the 2014-15 and 2016-17 post-season.

Fast was a five-time recipient of the Rangers' Players' Player Award from 2015-2020.

He signed with the Hurricanes as a free agent ahead of the 2020-21 season. Fast played in all 82 games that season and produced career highs in goals (14), points (34) and plus/minus (+24). Canes' players tabbed him as the winner of the Steve Chiasson Award for that season. The award honors "the player who best exemplifies determination and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game."

In his final playoff appearances in 2023, Fast became just the fourth player in Carolina franchise history to produce multiple overtime winners in a single postseason. He scored in overtime in Game 2 of Carolina's first round series vs. the New York Islanders and found the net again in the series-clinching Game 5 of the Canes' second round victory over the New Jersey Devils.

Gourde, 33, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Gourde played the final 21 games of the season in Tampa after the club reacquired him from the Seattle Kraken in a three-team trade on March 5. The Lightning lost Gourde when the Kraken selected him in the 2021 expansion draft.

Gourde combined for 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) for the Kraken and Lightning in 57 games in 2024-25. Gourde added an assist in five playoff games for the Lightning.

He missed two months of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia in January.

Gourde has 347 points (133 goals, 214 assists) in 602 career games, with all but 52 of those goals with the Lightning. He spent his first six NHL seasons in Tampa and won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.

Barkov, 29, who also won the award for the 2020-21 season, received 96 first-place votes and recorded 1,363 points to beat out Panthers teammate Sam Reinhart (837 points). Barkov appeared on 173 of the 191 ballots.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli finished third with 828 points.

Barkov was also announced Monday as the winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and contribution to the community. He was presented both trophies at the Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Fla.

"Very surprised," Barkov said of the Selke. "I was not expecting it at all. When they brought in another trophy, it was pretty overwhelming for me. I am truly honored by that award."

Barkov recorded 71 points (20 goals, 51 assists) in 67 games this season. He also won 56.5 percent of faceoffs during the 2024-25 campaign. He recorded 54 blocks and 34 takeaways during the regular season.

He has recorded 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) and 16 blocks in 17 postseason games, leading the defending champion Panthers to their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. He's winning 57.9 percent of his faceoffs in the playoffs.

Johansson, 34, tallied 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 72 games with the Wild in 2024-25.

The Sweden native collected his 500th career point with an assist at Detroit on Feb. 22.

Johansson has 517 points (185 goals, 332 assists) in 983 career games over 15 seasons with six teams.

He was originally drafted in the first round (24th overall) by the Washington Capitals in 2009.

Kleven, 23, just completed his first full season in the NHL and could have become a restricted free agent on July 1.

"Tyler's game elevated as our season progressed," general manager Steve Staios said in a statement. "He proved to be a reliable defenseman for us during the playoffs, and we expect his game will continue to mature and develop."

Kleven recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 79 games this past season, averaging 14:28 of ice time per game. He notched two assists in six playoff games, averaging 15:47 of ice time.

Kleven had three assists in 17 total games with the Senators from 2022-24.

The Senators selected Kleven in the second round of the 2020 draft.

Brown, 31, missed the final two games of the Oilers' five-game series against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals, which concluded last Thursday. He exited Game 3 in the second period on May 25 after a thunderous hit from Stars defenseman Alex Petrovic that sent him to the ice.

I feel good," Brown said after Sunday's session. "Nice to get a practice in with the team. Obviously, I haven't been practicing much. It's nice to get it going. I'm excited."

Brown has eight points (five goals, three assists) in 14 playoff games. He totaled 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) and a plus-9 rating while playing in all 82 games during the regular season.

His spot on the third line has been filled by Viktor Arvidsson at right wing with center Adam Henrique and left wing Evander Kane. The Oilers are without forward Zach Hyman, who had surgery after sustaining an upper-body injury in Game 4 against the Stars.

"I've got no idea what the line combinations are," said Brown, who skated with the fifth line on Sunday. "Obviously, I'm not trying to put my coaching hat on or anything like that. It's just my job to be ready to go."

"I think he will be fine," Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. "Obviously, you saw him on the ice and double shifting, and I'm pretty sure and confident that he will be fine for Game 1."

Both players were injured in Wednesday's series-clinching Game 5 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Panthers forward A.J. Greer's status for the series opener against the Oilers remains uncertain. He missed Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals and was on the ice for only 4:22 in Game 5 due to a lower-body injury.

All three players did not participate in Saturday's practice, the first team skate since the defending champs booked their spot in a Finals rematch with Edmonton.

"I think the only question mark is Greer," Maurice said. "We will list him as day to day. The other guys are fine. They will be back on the ice tomorrow when we do a little bit of an optional."

Luostarinen, 26, recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 80 games during the regular season and 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 17 games this postseason.

Lundell, 23, tallied 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games in the regular season and 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 17 playoff games.

Greer, 28, posted 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 81 games in the regular season and two goals and one assist in 12 playoff contests.