Florida Panthers face Game 3 test with Aleksander Barkov ready to respond

The Florida Panthers come home still optimistic after trailing 2-0 in their second-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team is hoping to turn things around with the support of their home crowd in Sunrise, Florida, in Game 3 tonight. Two narrow losses on the road could not discourage the Panthers, who believe their playoff run is far from over.Team captain Aleksander Barkov said on Friday that spirits are high despite the series deficit. Florida has already instituted some lineup changes. In Game 2, defenseman Aaron Ekblad returned from suspension and Mackie Samoskevich replaced A.J. Greer on the fourth line. Further changes may be on the way, as head coach Paul Maurice said a few players are game-time decisions due to injury, though he wouldn't name any.Paul Maurice was more satisfied with the work of his team in Game 2 than in the opening game. "We didn't love our Game 1 but we liked our game here tonight," he said. "So to come out on the road, we lost two one-goal games and we get to go back home now".The Panthers are relying on their home crowd to provide a boost. The team is no stranger to deep playoff runs, as they advanced to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years. They won their first title last year after a thrilling Game 7 win over Edmonton.While Florida is considering lineup changes, Toronto is keeping things the same. The Maple Leafs used identical lineups in Games 1 and 2 and are expected to stick with that group for the seventh straight game.Forward Matthew Knies knows Game 3 will be difficult. “It’s going to be a huge pushback,” Knies said Friday. “It’s going to be the hardest game we’ve played so far. I think we’re up for the challenge”Florida forward Brad Marchand said his team never expected an easy series. “We didn’t expect to roll over them by any means,” he said. “They’re playing really well.” The stage is set for a fierce battle tonight as the Panthers try to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.Also Read: Why Panthers’ Sam Bennett Wasn’t Suspended After Stolarz Hit Incident