Panthers Reinstate Trio for Game 5 vs Hurricanes in Eastern Final

The Florida Panthers are dealing with significant lineup challenges as they approach Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Key players Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer, who missed Game 4 due to injuries, are expected to return, providing a boost for the team. Reinhart, the Panthers' leading scorer and a Selke Award finalist, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury after a hit from Sebastian Aho, while Mikkola and Greer also suffered injuries in Game 3. Their absence was felt in Game 4, where replacements like Jesper Boqvist, Nico Sturm, and Uvis Balinskis filled in. Despite the injuries, the Panthers have dominated the series so far with three straight wins, but the health of these key contributors remains crucial for their bid to complete the sweep and advance to the Stanley Cup Final. The return of these players is expected to help Florida maintain its momentum against the Hurricanes, who have struggled historically in the Eastern Conference Finals.