Panthers Expected to Return Key Players for Decisive Game 5 vs Hurricanes

The Florida Panthers are poised to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive season, leading the Eastern Conference Final series 3-1 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Key players Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer, who missed recent games due to injuries, are expected to return for Game 5, providing a significant boost to the Panthers. Reinhart, the team's leading scorer and a Selke Trophy finalist, is especially vital for the power play, which struggled without him, going 0-for-8 in the last two games. Coach Paul Maurice highlighted the leadership qualities each player brings, emphasizing Reinhart's mental preparation, Mikkola's intensity, and Greer's physicality. The team aims to capitalize on this full-strength lineup to close out the series and secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Final once again. Their return marks a hopeful turn after a Game 4 loss, reinforcing the Panthers' determination to finish the series.