Sam Reinhart returns as Panthers aim to finish series while Hurricanes gamble on new kid Alexander Nikishin

The Florida Panthers are looking to end the series against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 and avoid having another game. The Panthers head coach, Paul Maurice, on Wednesday morning, created a bit of a stir with some significant announcements.

Specifically, he said that the line-up for the next game would probably include Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer.

Sam Reinhart returns to strengthen power play

Sam Reinhart, the Panthers' regular-season leader with 39 goals and 81 points, was absent for the final two games. His absence was definitely noticed, particularly on the power play. The Panthers have been 0-for-8 on the power play over the past two games, including 0-for-4 Monday in a 3-0 loss.

Reinhart's return is expected to bring the team back to life and help them conclude the series strong.

Maurice made it evident that the returning players are completely healthy."Healthy players play," he said. "If you can't be better than the guy that I'm going to put in your spot, you're not playing."Niko Mikkola also returns after notching two goals in Game 3, the game-winner among them. A.J. Greer did not play in Game 3 but did have the game-winner in Game 1.

Each of the three players returning has playoff experience and grit to offer to a Panthers team that wishes to close out the series at home.Also Read: Jaccob Slavin Excels As Carolina Hurricanes Hold Off Elimination, Dallas Stars Battle Serious Offense Crisis

Carolina Hurricanes rely on Alexander Nikishin as injuries persist

Things seem slightly tougher for Carolina. Defensemen Sean Walker and Jalen Chatfield did not attend the morning skate and have been out for Game 5. Chatfield has been unavailable since May 12, while Walker got hurt during Game 2. That leaves the Carolina Hurricanes relying on young defensemen once more.One of those youngsters is Alexander Nikishin, who was huge in Game 4. The 23-year-old rookie defenseman picked up a turnover and slid it to Logan Stankoven for Carolina's first goal, a game-changer. Nikishin spent most of the season in the KHL and is just in his third game in North America, but he's been outstanding.Coach Rod Brind'Amour was impressed by Alexander Nikishin’s rapid development. "There's still a huge learning curve," he said. "But I guess his play has been a pleasant surprise. As Alexander Nikishin does not know the English language that much, Dmitry Orlov has been assisting him. The two Russians speak the same language, which makes it easier for Orlov to show him the way in the quick-paced NHL playoff play.