In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers, the Panthers were well aware of the physical onslaught they were about to face. The Rangers were desperate for a win and there were rumors of rookie Matt Rempe making his first appearance in the series.

Rempe, a 6-foot-8½ rough-and-tumble player, was a healthy scratch in Game 1, where the Rangers suffered a 3-0 loss. Lacking urgency and physicality, they were eager to bring in Rempe to change the dynamic. However, Panthers coach Paul Maurice and his players were unfazed by the potential lineup change, expressing confidence in their own game plan.

The Panthers remained focused on their own group and were not concerned about the Rangers' modifications. Panthers center Kevin Stenlund emphasized that their primary focus was on their performance, regardless of who was on the opposing team's roster. Defenseman Brandon Montour acknowledged Rempe's ability to bring energy and physicality, but reiterated that it wouldn't affect the Panthers' strategy.

Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe acknowledged Rempe's popularity with the fans and warned his teammates to be aware of his presence on the ice. However, he emphasized that the Panthers would stay true to their physical style of play and would not allow any lineup changes to alter their game plan.

The Panthers remained defiant when it came to a controversial hit delivered by Florida defenseman Nico Mikkola on Rangers forward Filip Chytil in the last seconds of Game 1. Maurice defended the hit, stating that it was clean and a natural consequence of the game. Both Verhaeghe and Montour dismissed the possibility of a response from the Rangers in Game 2, believing that if there was a reaction, it would have occurred immediately after the hit.

Maurice, drawing from past experiences, acknowledged that the team that loses Game 1 often has an advantage in Game 2. He anticipated a tightly contested and potentially lengthy series against the Rangers, recognizing their emotional advantage heading into Game 2. The Panthers would need to find a different approach to claim their own advantage in the series.

With both teams prepared for a physical battle, Game 2 promised to be a test of strength and strategy. Despite the potential lineup changes and emotional advantage of the Rangers, the Panthers were ready to face the challenge head-on and continue their pursuit of victory in the series.