The only downside to the Florida Panthers’ dominant 5-0 win in Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday was that key forward Sam Reinhart went down with an injury.
The Panthers announced during the second period that Reinhart, who was sent flying by a Sebastian Aho hit in the first period, had a lower-body injury and wouldn’t return to the game. He had been grimacing on the bench before heading to the dressing room.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice had no update after the game, saying Reinhart would be examined on Friday. He expected to have an answer by Saturday.
Reinhart plays on the top line with Aleksander Barkov and had 57 goals last season. He’s a finalist (along with Barkov) for the Selke Trophy as top defensive forward after finishing with five short-handed goals.
The Panthers had a 3-0 lead after one period but still had two periods to play. Other players, including fourth-liner A.J. Greer, rotated onto the top line throughout the rest of the game.
‘That guy, you can’t really replace. He does everything,’ Barkov said of Reinhart. ‘Every single guy who played there, he was great.’
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