The Florida Panthers received some good news regarding a few players who are dealing with injuries. Speaking the day after Florida defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eaastern Conference Final, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice provided updates on Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola and A.J. Greer. Reinhart was injured during Game 2 in Carolina after taking a hit from Sebastian Aho and did not play in Game 3, while both Mikkola and Greer played on Saturday but left the game early with apparent injuries. Maurice didn’t rule anybody out for Game 4, conversely providing a positive vibe to the Panthers potential lineup on Monday. “I think we’ll know by the morning skate. I think everybody is going to be ready to go tomorrow,” Maurice said. He was quickly asked if that included Sam Reinhart, who hasn’t been seen on the ice but was with the team for Game 3, walking around the locker room seemingly without issue during pregame while reading out Florida’s starting lineup. “We’re still waiting on Sam Reinhart, I’ll have an answer for you tomorrow,” Maurice said. “I don’t think that a game-time (decision) for us, we’ll just decide at the morning skate whose playing.” It sounds like there is still some determining to do regarding Reinhart’s status for Game 4, but just the fact that he’s in consideration to possibly play on Monday indicates that the injury isn’t anything severe or long-term, or it’s something that he can manage and play through until the offseason. “He’s not cleared, but he hasn’t been ruled out either,” Maurice said. “I know that sounds a little bit ambiguous, but it’s not. It’s exactly where he’s at.” Florida will hold their morning skate on Monday at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale. They are generally optional on-ice workouts, but if Reinhart is going to play that evening, it’s likely that he gets a skate in before jumping back into the fire. We’ll see how things play out as the Panthers look to complete a four-game sweep against Carolina and advance to their third straight Stanley Cup Final. “He still has to get back on the ice,” Maurice said. “There’s still some steps here.” LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Three takeaways: Jesper Boqvist fills in beautifully again, Panthers pull away after tight 2 periods [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-jesper-boqvist-fills-in-beautifully-again-panthers-pull-away-after-tight-2-periods] Panthers push Hurricanes to brink with dominant 6-2 victory in Game 3 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-push-hurricanes-to-brink-with-dominant-6-2-victory-in-game-3] Important Panthers Forward Ejected From Game 3 For Boarding [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/important-panthers-forward-ejected-from-game-3-for-boarding] Charles Barkley 'Hates' Seth Jones For This Hilarious Reason [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/charles-barkley-hates-seth-jones-for-this-hilarious-reason] 3 Panthers Who Need Big Performances In Game 3 vs. Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/3-panthers-who-need-big-performances-in-game-3-vs-hurricanes] Photo caption: Apr 14, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) celebrates after scoring against the New York Rangers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
