It looks like the Florida Panthers have been feeling the pressure of a late-season slump. Questions have been lingering about their current downturn in performances. After all, back-to-back losses against the Canadiens and Islanders are hardly par for the course. Though their position in the league standings remains comfortable, could this be an omen for the playoffs? But the real question is—what exactly is going on with this team for being in such a poor condition?
PuckEmpire dropped one possible explanation on X in a post that read, “Sam Reinhart has been STRUGGLING as of late, with one goal in his last 17 games played (including the 4 Nations Face-Off). Can he bounce back ahead of the playoffs?” Well, it’s true that Sam Reinhart has been facing some recent struggles with his offensive production, and while that can’t be the sole reason, it’s no doubt contributed to this mini-slump of sorts.
Sam Reinhart has been STRUGGLING as of late, with one goal in his last 17 games played (including the 4Nations Face-Off).
Can he bounce back ahead of the playoffs? pic.twitter.com/c1rRBrAYW3
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) March 16, 2025
However, the fact is that Reinhart’s offense is a big part of Florida’s play. He is after all, their leader for goals and points and is only second in assists (33 goals, 39 assists, 72 points). Now while Florida does have Sam Bennett and now Brad Marchand (soon enough) to pick up the slack, Reinhart’s going to need to find his scoring touch soon if they hope to become back-to-back champions.
Despite the loss in the latest match against the Islanders, the game still had some sort of relief to offer to the fans. Why? Reinhart had a goal finally! He, alongside Aleksander Barkov, had a goal and an assist. Although it wasn’t enough to secure the win, the fact that he contributed indicated a possible turning point with the question being, is this enough to get him back into playoff form? Well, it looks like the fans are keeping their hopes high!
Fans see the goal as the beginning of a Sam Reinhart comeback
When it was about addressing Reinhart’s struggles, one fan expressed, “Sure as hell hoping he can start scoring again. Team needs that 1st line to set the tone. Verhaeghe is hit or miss (heavy on the miss), Barkov & Reinhart need to lead this team, especially without Tkachuk in the lineup. Can’t just coast into the playoffs and wait for 63 and 19.” The fan was completely right; relying too much on certain players won’t do the team any good. Carter Verhaeghe‘s 17 goals and 29 assists are serviceable; it’s Reinhart who needs to be setting the pace along with Sasha Barkov.
Another fan pleaded with, “Please dude, find your groove,” hoping for things to twist and turn quickly! It’s a proper cry for action. While they call for Reinhart to snap out of this funk, they really want him to contribute to the team’s success in a more consistent manner! Because one fan literally reacted, “Holy,after reflecting with shock on seeing Reinhart’s stats. After all, it’s just a single goal in the last 17 games!
Lastly, came a healthy dose of irony with one user writing, “Will the Panthers even make the playoffs this year?” Probably talking about the uncertainty of the situation, though the Panthers’ chances are really in no danger.
Another fan summed up the situation with, “Ohh that is worrying for Panthers.” With the team’s recent struggles and Reinhart’s slump, it’s clear that fans are on edge. Even though the team has the talent to succeed, the team needs all their players, and especially Sam Reinhart, to step up in these final weeks before the playoffs. The Panthers really need to gear up!
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