Panthers' Kyle Okposo set for first playoff game in 8 years

Florida Panthers forward Kyle Okposo will play in the postseason for the first time in eight years on Thursday when he takes the ice for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series versus the host Tampa Bay Lightning. Okposo, 36, last competed in the playoffs on May 8, 2016. He is drawing into the lineup with Ryan Lomberg ruled out due to illness. “He's very excited about the game,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “He will relish this, the opportunity. Serious pro, very detailed guy. He's going to be all wired in for the game but there's also going to be a piece of him that understands that there's not 15 more seasons of playoffs ahead of him. This is something he needs to enjoy.” Florida