Florida Panthers face major setback as key players sit out Game 4

In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 26, 2025, the Florida Panthers announced that several key players would not participate in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. Notably, Sam Reinhart, a leading scorer for the Panthers, was ruled out due to an injury sustained in Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Reinhart's absence is significant as he has been pivotal in both offense and defense for the team. Alongside Reinhart, defenseman Niko Mikkola and forward AJ Greer are also missing from the lineup, further straining the Panthers' roster as they hold a 3-0 series lead and aim to clinch the series. Coach Paul Maurice expressed optimism regarding the health of his injured players, stating that they are day-to-day and could potentially return later in the series. The declarations come as Carolina seeks to capitalize on the Panthers' diminished strength to avoid a series sweep. The Florida Panthers, reigning Stanley Cup champions, have showcased exceptional performance in the playoffs leading up to this game, but this development introduces uncertainty as they face a resilient Carolina team looking for any opportunity to steal a win and regain momentum. The rivalry has been intense, and Carolina aims to break its 15-game losing streak in conference final games, giving them added motivation as they prepare for this challenge. Despite missing key contributors, the Panthers trust their depth and the performances of other players who have stepped up throughout the playoffs.