Sam Reinhart will miss the Florida Panthers' game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night due to a lingering soft-tissue issue.
What happened?
The Panthers' star forward played in the team's last game, a 3-1 victory against the Red Wings, and came away with an assist.
Why it matters for Sam Reinhart
Reinhart has been the most consistent producer for the Panthers this season, leading the team with 28 goals and 59 points.
The 30-year-old has suited up for all 63 contests so far this year, but his scoring pace is off from the last two seasons.
What comes next?
The Panthers are not scheduled to play again until Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving Reinhart nearly a week of rest to recover from his injury.
He is expected to be back in the lineup for that game, according to coach Maurice.
The Panthers are currently 31-29-3 on the campaign, placing them 11 points outside of a wildcard berth in the Eastern Conference.
Maurice said the team is trying to get ahead of Reinhart's injury, adding two more days of rest to the unusual three-day block.
Reinhart's absence will be felt, as he has been a key player for the Panthers this season.
The team will have to rely on other players, such as Sam Bennett, who has 23 goals on the year, to step up in Reinhart's absence.
The Panthers' game against the Red Wings is set to start at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Reinhart's injury is a setback for the team, but they are hopeful he will be back to full strength soon.
The Panthers are looking to bounce back from a difficult season, and Reinhart's return will be a key factor in their success.