Reinhardt Scores Twice in Panthers Preseason Opener

Cole Reinhardt scored twice and delivered seven hits during Sunday's preseason opener in Fort Lauderdale. The 26-year-old helped the Florida Panthers defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3 at Amerant Bank Arena, immediately proving his value in the roster battle.

Reinhardt played 12:02 of ice time, combining speed with physicality to dominate the puck. His performance marked a strong start to his second preseason with the team after joining via waivers in March.

Physical Play Defines New Role

Head coach Paul Maurice praised the forward for his growth and smart decision-making. The coach noted Reinhardt's ability to shoot the puck, a skill he demonstrated consistently last season.

Reinhardt’s impact extends beyond scoring. He is averaging 13.66 hits per 60 minutes, a team-leading figure among players with at least 15 games played last year. This physical edge sets him apart in the current lineup.

Brady Tkachuk, a former teammate from Ottawa, highlighted Reinhardt's versatility. The center noted that Reinhardt can play net-front, shoot from distance, and engage physically, making him effective in any style of play.

Building Momentum Through Consistency

Reinhardt finished last season on a hot streak, scoring in four consecutive games. He had already recorded six goals in 15 games with Florida before the break, showing a sharp rise in production.

Tuesday's 3-2 loss to Carolina saw Reinhardt keep his streak alive with defensive effort. He recorded one hit and two blocked shots while helping the team go 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Chasing A Spot In Tampa

With fewer than 100 career NHL games, Reinhardt is exempt from the veteran two-game preseason limit. This rule allows him to play more games than many teammates, offering extra chances to earn a roster spot.

The Panthers travel to Tampa Bay on Thursday for a 7 p.m. ET matchup against the Lightning. Reinhardt remains focused on seizing the chance to prove his right to stay in the lineup.