The Florida Panthers are set to welcome back crucial players, including Sam Reinhart, A.J. Greer, and Niko Mikkola, as they aim to secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Final. Currently leading the Eastern Conference Final 3-1 against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Panthers' coach, Paul Maurice, emphasized the different types of leadership these players bring to the team. Reinhart, who has been sidelined due to injury, plays a pivotal role in both offensive and defensive plays, underscoring his importance as Florida strives for a consecutive Stanley Cup appearance.
"They're all different kind of leaders," Maurice said. "Sam in the preparation and the mental part of the game. Niko's got an intensity that he brings to our room and to the bench and to the game that he plays. And A.J.'s a really fast, physical player so he brings that physicality leadership."
Reinhart has missed the past two games since sustaining a lower-body injury following a low hit from Carolina forward Sebastian Aho in the first period of Game 2.
Reinhart, one of three finalists for the Selke Trophy given annually to the NHL's top defensive forward, is integral in every phase of the Panthers' game.
Florida leads the best-of-7 series 3-1 and needs just one more win to reach the Stanley Cup Final for a third consecutive year.
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