Paul Maurice Addresses Sam Reinhart Injury Update Before Crucial Panthers Playoff Game

The Florida Panthers are basking in the afterglow of a thrilling 6-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at Amerant Bank Arena. This win was not just any victory—it marked a stunning offensive performance, with the Panthers scoring five goals in a mere 10:37 span during the third period. However, amidst the euphoria, one vital question remains on the minds of Panthers fans and analysts alike: What is the status of Sam Reinhart, the team’s leading scorer in the regular season?

Reinhart’s troubles began in Game 2 when he suffered an injury during a power play at 14:49 of the first period. A hip check from Carolina’s Sebastian Aho sent him crashing to the ice. Demonstrating remarkable grit, Reinhart managed to return for a brief 12-second shift but ultimately did not return for the remainder of the game, leaving fans anxious and speculating about the severity of his injury.

After practice on May 25, 2025, head coach Paul Maurice addressed the media with his signature blend of honesty and pragmatism. When pressed about Reinhart’s availability for Game 3, he maintained a measured tone: “Yeah, I don’t think that … we’ll know by the morning skate. I think everybody’s gonna be ready to go tomorrow. We’re still waiting on Sam Reinhart; I’ll have an answer for you tomorrow.” His remarks suggest that the team is holding its cards close to its chest, reflecting a cautious optimism while not jumping to conclusions.

This uncertainty comes as Reinhart has been pivotal for the Panthers in the playoffs, contributing 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 14 games. During the regular season, he displayed his scoring prowess with 39 goals and 81 points in 79 games. Maurice stressed the importance of depth, indicating that the Panthers can’t crumble at the loss of a single player: “You can’t have one guy go down and not still have a chance.” With Reinhart unavailable for Game 3, Jesper Boqvist stepped up, taking his place on the top line alongside captain Aleksander Barkov and Evan Rodrigues. Notably, it was Boqvist who scored the Panthers’ second goal, giving them a 2-1 lead early in the third.

However, while the Panthers celebrated their dominant win, the game did not come without new concerns. Both Nikko Mikkola and A.J. Greer exited the ice due to injuries. Fortunately, these injuries appeared to be less severe than Reinhart’s. Following Sunday’s practice at Baptist Health IcePlex, Maurice provided updates on Mikkola, who had left Game 3 after falling awkwardly into the boards. “I think he’s good, but we’re going to give it another day to be sure,” he commented, leaving the door open for his potential return.

Mikkola has not only been a scoring threat—recording three goals and two assists in the postseason—but also a physical force, delivering 40 hits and blocking 13 shots over 15 playoff games. Greer, on the other hand, has made waves with an aggressive playing style, averaging nearly 30 hits per 60 minutes. After exiting with an injury, it’s promising to hear that he, too, may not face significant setbacks.

As the Panthers boast a commanding 3-0 series lead and seek to secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Final, the urgency for health and readiness grows. With updates anticipated during Monday morning’s skate, fans are eager to see whether Reinhart can return to bolster the team for the pivotal Game 4.

In a related note, the aftermath of the hit on Reinhart by Aho didn’t go unnoticed. Matthew Tkachuk took it upon himself to deliver a form of retribution, taking Aho down amidst a flurry of physical play in Game 3, which resulted in a game misconduct penalty for Tkachuk. His remarks post-game underscored the team’s camaraderie: “It’s just sticking up for teammates … We’re a family in there.”

As Game 4 approaches, the anticipation builds. The puck drops Monday at Amerant Bank Arena; will Reinhart be ready to jump back into action?