During Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final, the Florida Panthers faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes, and things took a turn when Panthers forward Sam Reinhart picked up a lower-body injury. This has got everyone wondering if he’ll be able to play for the rest of the series. So, the incident happened late in the first period while Reinhart was bringing the puck into the offensive zone during a power play.
He took a hip check from Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho, and it made Reinhart’s left leg bend in a pretty awkward way. He did make a quick return for a 12-second shift before the period wrapped up, but he didn’t come back for the second period and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Reinhart has really stepped up for the Panthers this season, racking up 81 points during the regular season and adding another 11 points in 14 playoff games.
Not having him around could really shake up the Panthers’ offense as they try to keep their momentum going in the series. It seems like the franchise is definitely feeling the heat. On X, hockey reporter Renaud Lavoie reported: “Sam Reinhart OUT, Jesper Boqvist IN.”
With Reinhart not playing, Jesper Boqvist is stepping in for Game 3. Boqvist is set to hit the ice on the top line with Aleksander Barkov and Evan Rodrigues. In the regular season, Boqvist put up 23 points with 12 goals and 11 assists over 78 games. During the playoffs, he’s played in nine games and has managed to score one goal and provide one assist. Fans are really looking forward to how his versatility and experience will keep the team’s momentum going as they try to build on their series lead.
Sam Reinhart OUT, Jesper Boqvist IN vs @Canes @FlaPanthers @TVASports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 24, 2025
This is a developing report…
The post Injury Forces Florida Panthers Star Out of Eastern Conference Finals Against Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on EssentiallySports.
