Ex-Sabres Star Becomes Panthers Hero
This former Sabre has become a hero for the Panthers.
© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports - Ex-Sabres Star Becomes Panthers HeroThe Florida Panthers entered Game 4 in a must-win situation. After losing back-to-back games in overtime, they were down 2-1 in their series against the New York Rangers. A loss would have severely lowered their chances of making the Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers and Rangers are evenly matched, which translated to Game 4. These two clubs went into overtime for the third contest in a row. However, this time around, the Panthers picked up the win and tied the series back up.
And who was the Panthers' hero in Game 4? Former Buffalo Sabres star Sam Reinhart.
While on the power play, Reinhart received a perfect pass from Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and then one-timed it home past Rangers star goalie Igor Shesterkin. He also got some help from the post with the shot.
This is just the latest excellent thing that Reinhart has done this season. The 2023-24 campaign has been magical for the 2014 second-overall pick. In 82 regular-season games, he set new career highs with 57 goals and 94 points. He has followed that up with eight goals and 12 points in 15 playoff games thus far.
Reinhart continues to show the Panthers that they must find a way to get him re-signed after the season ends. He is a true star in this league, and this overtime winner is only the latest example of that.