Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola lead Florida Panthers in Game 5 victory to clinch Stanley Cup Final return

The Florida Panthers made their way to their third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night with a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Re-emerging in the spotlight was the comeback of Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer — all of whom had missed the previous game due to injury.

Florida Panthers sweep Carolina Hurricanes with key players back from injury; Eetu Luostarinen leaves early

As the Florida Panthers were celebrating the win, it was tainted by an injury as forward Eetu Luostarinen left in the first period after what looked like an injury. Head coach Paul Maurice later confirmed that Luostarinen will be fine in time for the final against either the Edmonton Oilers or the Dallas Stars. Sam Reinhart spearheaded the way of the trio back, playing 21:08 of ice time and having two assists in the third period. The forward had departed Game 2 early following a low blow from Carolina's Sebastian Aho but was in good form in his return. Niko Mikkola, who had endured a tough crash into the boards in Game 3, was back for the game nearly 20 minutes later. Though he played some defensive minutes, a neutral zone miscue brought Sebastian Aho his second goal of the first period for Carolina.

A.J. Greer, hurt from a Game 3 collision, played limited shifts (4:22) but provided the Panthers with some extra forward depth. Even with the return of important players, the Panthers were forced to readjust after losing Eetu Luostarinen. The forward got hurt during an attempt to hit Carolina's Mark Jankowski and didn't get back onto the ice after the first period. Maurice said afterward that the long break leading up to the Cup Final should be enough time for Luostarinen to heal. Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed doubt that either player would return even if the series had gone the distance. “I was hopeful Chatfield being more day-to-day, but he just still hasn’t got in there with us,” Brind’Amour said before the game. “Until he’s out there, I guess practicing with us, he’s not an option. Walker, same thing.” With both out of commission, the Hurricanes relied on highly touted prospect Alexander Nikishin, who had his home debut in Game 5.

The young blue-line defenseman played 15:36 and had earlier registered his first NHL point with a pivotal assist in Game 4. Also read: Where to buy Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Finals tickets 2025With the Eastern Conference championship won, the Florida Panthers can now take some time to recharge, recover, and set their sights on a ferocious Stanley Cup Final series. Their depth was challenged, but the return of Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer was the push necessary to close out the series — and keep the Panthers' championship dreams alive.