The availability of Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart remains in question for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice told reporters Sunday that Reinhart has not been cleared to return to game action after sustaining a lower-body injury during the first period of Florida’s 5-0 win in Game 2 on Thursday.
Reinhart sat out Saturday’s 6-2 win for the Panthers, who hold a commanding 3-0 lead the best-of-seven series.
Maurice said a decision on Reinhart’s status will be made on Monday morning, hours before Game 4 in Sunrise, Fla.
“He is not cleared, but he hasn’t been ruled out either,” Maurice said Sunday. “I know that sounds a little ambiguous, but it’s not. That’s exactly where he’s at.
“We are hopeful that it’s not long term, and I mean he is day-to-day and I don’t think it’s going to move out that way. He still has to get back on the ice. There are some steps here.”
Jesper Boqvist filled in admirably for Reinhart, scoring the go-ahead goal on a breakaway at 1:29 of the third period on Saturday. He added two assists later in the period.
Reinhart, 29, recorded team-leading totals in goals (39) and points (81) in 79 games this season and is a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward.
He has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 14 games in the playoffs.
–Field Level Media
