With the Stanley Cup Final heating up, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a gripping series where three of the first four games have extended into overtime. Florida's core players are pushing through the fatigue of their third consecutive playoff run, logging significant ice time. Despite growing weariness, Panthers players like Niko Mikkola express confidence, dismissing tiredness as they gear up for crucial games ahead.

Projected star Leon Draisaitl has proven pivotal for Edmonton, scoring game-winning goals. As both teams lean on their strengths—Florida's physical play and Edmonton's finesse—the intensity of the series showcases why this championship is hard-won. Fans are left on the edge, highlighting the excitement that comes with such tightly contested playoff hockey.

In a pivotal Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final, the Florida Panthers anticipate the return of key players Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer against the Carolina Hurricanes. All three missed Game 4 due to injuries sustained in earlier matches, with Reinhart falling victim to a low hit from Sebastian Aho, while Mikkola showed signs of a shoulder injury from a crash into the boards.

Carolina's defense faces its own challenges, as they likely will be without Jalen Chatfield and Sean Walker again. Chatfield has been sidelined for five games with a lower-body injury, and Walker suffered a concussion from a hit by Greer. The absence of these players has pushed rookie Alexander Nikishin into the spotlight, who has already made his mark by recording his first NHL point in the postseason.

The Florida Panthers are set to welcome back crucial players for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, including Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer. Reinhart's absence in Game 4 was significant, particularly affecting the power play that went 0-for-4 in both Game 3 and Game 4. Coach Paul Maurice emphasized Reinhart's elite skills and their impact on the team's offensive strategies. Mikkola's return is pivotal as he has been a strong defensive presence, while Greer's physical play will bolster the bottom line. After losing Game 4 to Carolina, the Panthers, who previously dominated the series, are refocusing on simplifying their game to secure a victory.

Florida Panthers are poised to potentially regain full strength for the critical Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers currently lead the series 3-1, despite suffering a loss in Game 4. Key players Sam Reinhart, A.J. Greer, and Niko Mikkola rejoined practice after dealing with injuries, which bodes well for their chances of closing out the series against a desperate Hurricanes squad.

Reinhart's absence has particularly impacted the Panthers' power play, which was effective in the first two games but has struggled since. Coach Paul Maurice's strategy emphasizes improving puck movement and creating chaos during power plays to capitalize on opportunities against Carolina's defense. The Panthers have enjoyed recent success in Raleigh, outscoring the Hurricanes significantly in their last two games there, which gives them confidence as they prepare to take the ice.

The Florida Panthers faced a disappointing Game 4 in the Eastern Conference Finals, falling 3-0 to the Carolina Hurricanes and missing a chance to clinch a Stanley Cup Final berth. Coach Paul Maurice recognized the loss as a valuable learning experience, emphasizing the need to address consistent issues in their game. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov stated that the team did not perform at their best and committed to improving in the next game. The absence of key players Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer due to injuries added to the challenge, but their day-to-day status raises hopes for their return in Game 5.