Veteran forward will be key to Panthers success

Through the current stretch, Reinhart has piled up 35 points, including 19 goals and 16 assists, while shooting an efficient 20.7 percent. Those totals jump off the page, but they don't fully explain why his game feels so reliable night after night.

Reinhart's biggest weapon isn't his shot, it's his mind. He reads plays a step ahead, arrives in soft ice early, and rarely wastes touches. That awareness allows him to score without forcing offense, which explains why his shooting percentage stays high without looking unsustainable.

At five-on-five, Reinhart thrives by finding seams between defenders rather than overpowering them. He adjusts spacing, supports puck carriers, and knows exactly when to slide into the slot. Florida's attack looks calmer when he's on the ice because decisions get made quickly.

The consistency matters even more given Florida's injuries. With Matthew Tkachuk sidelined and Aleksander Barkov missing time, Reinhart has quietly absorbed extra responsibility. He hasn't changed his style, he's simply made smarter reads under heavier pressure.

His finishing ability benefits from that patience. A 20.7 shooting percentage isn't about luck when chances come from prime areas. Reinhart scores from inside coverage, not from the perimeter. That's repeatable offense, especially on a team that values net-front presence.

Tactically, he's also flexible. Reinhart can slide up or down a line without disrupting flow, adjust to different centers, and still produce. Coaches love that versatility because it keeps matchups intact even when lines shuffle.

This season feels like a continuation rather than a spike. Reinhart isn't chasing numbers, he's executing habits that lead to them. That's why his production feels steady instead of streaky.

Florida's recent surge has been built on smart hockey, not highlight chasing. Reinhart embodies that approach.

The goals will draw attention. The IQ keeps them coming.