Panthers HC Paul Maurice gives crucial update on D-man’s availability after ugly injury

The Florida Panthers can breathe a sigh of relief as defenseman Niko Mikkola appears to have avoided a serious injury after a scary collision in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Mikkola crashed into the boards while chasing down Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven, injuring his shoulder in the process. Despite not returning to the game, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Mikkola is expected to play in Game 4 on Monday.

Mikkola, who has one more year left on his contract with the Panthers, has been a standout player in the series, scoring two goals and two assists in just three games. His unexpected offensive contribution has been crucial for the Panthers, who are looking to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals for the third consecutive year.

Fans were concerned about Mikkola’s status after the collision, but his resilience and determination to play through injury have impressed both teammates and supporters alike. His performance in the playoffs highlights the importance of unsung heroes stepping up in crucial moments, and Mikkola has certainly risen to the occasion.

As the Panthers prepare for Game 4 against the Hurricanes, Mikkola’s presence on the ice will be vital to their success. With the puck dropping at 8 p.m. EST at Amerant Bank Arena, all eyes will be on Mikkola as he looks to continue his impressive playoff run. Stay tuned for what promises to be an intense and thrilling matchup between these two Eastern Conference powerhouses.

Written by Jackson Weber, an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda, with a passion for hockey and a background in Business and Sport Management. When he’s not covering the latest hockey news, Jackson enjoys cooking and staying active through sports and nutrition.