Paul Maurice confirms Sam Reinhart, A.J. Greer, Niko Mikkola return for Panthers’ crucial Game 5 | NHL News
The Florida Panthers are going into tonight’s Game 5 with some seriously good news: Sam Reinhart, A.J. Greer, and Niko Mikkola are all back in the lineup. Head coach Paul Maurice confirmed after the team’s morning skate that the trio is cleared and ready to go and for a Panthers team looking to close out the Eastern Conference Final, that’s a massive boost.
Sam Reinhart’s return gives the Panthers their top scorer back at the perfect moment
Sam Reinhart, Florida’s regular-season leading scorer, has been sidelined since suffering a lower-body injury in Game 2. Missing Games 3 and 4 was a major blow, especially for the Panthers’ power play. Reinhart’s ability to create offense, work the puck in tight spaces, and finish on the man advantage could be exactly what Florida needs to break through Carolina’s defense tonight. His return can’t be understated, he’s a game-changer.While Reinhart’s offensive touch grabs headlines, the returns of defenseman Niko Mikkola and forward A.J. Greer adds vital balance. Mikkola, a 6’4” shutdown blueliner, missed Game 4 after getting banged up in Game 3, leaving the Panthers shorthanded on the back end. Greer’s physical presence up front also makes a difference, especially against a gritty Hurricanes lineup. With both players cleared to play, Florida’s depth chart suddenly looks much more solid heading into this elimination game.
Paul Maurice’s confidence sets the tone as Florida eyes the Stanley Cup Final
Paul Maurice was clear when asked about the status of his players: “We expect them all to play today.” That confidence should ripple through the locker room and into the crowd at Amerant Bank Arena tonight. With the Panthers holding a 3-1 series lead, they’re just one win away from punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year. But Carolina won’t go quietly, so Florida will need all hands on deck, including their returning stars.Tonight’s Game 5 promises high stakes, intense action, and no shortage of drama. With Reinhart, Greer, and Mikkola back in the mix, the Panthers are poised to make their final push for a series-clinching win. Fans in Florida will be roaring as their team tries to lock up another shot at the Cup and the hockey world will be watching.Also read – Winnipeg Jets lose captain Adam Lowry to hip surgery, recovery set for half a year
