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Aleksander Barkov injury update: Panthers HC provides latest news on captain's status after Draisaitl hit
The Florida Panthers lost Aleksander Barkov to injury following a hit from Leon Draisatl in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. He had to exit the game, throwing his status for Game 3 into doubt. The Panthers captain is nursing a serious ailment, but head coach Paul Maurice provided a positive update one day after the injury was sustained.
Maurice said via a report on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"He wasn't worse, so that's a really good thing. The real assessment will be tomorrow."
The coach added that if Barkov makes more good progress, then they should be good to go for Game 3. While they do hold a two-game lead, Barkov's presence on the ice for this and the two following road matchups with the Edmonton Oilers are crucial for the Panthers.
After the game, Draisatl opened up on the hit via nhl.com:
“I don’t think there was anything dirty about it. I don’t know, maybe I got him a little high, but certainly not any intent to injure or anything like that.”
Panthers fans will likely have their eyes glued to any injury updates between now and tomorrow's tip-off.
Paul Maurice somber about Aleksander Barkov's injury
Aleksander Barkov is one of the most impactful players the Florida Panthers have. He's a top talent but also their captain. They can ill afford to lose him. Though the update from today was positive, Paul Maurice was short when asked about it last night.
He simply said there was no update after the game when asked. Reporters then asked if he believed the hit needed to be looked at by the Department of Player Safety.
Maurice was again short:
“The League looks at every hit.”
Reporters asked how he felt about the hit, and he was once again curt with them
“This isn’t ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’ My feelings don’t matter.”
Maurice would love to get Aleksander Barkov back for Game 3, as it can be one of the most important matchups in a seven-game series. A 3-0 lead, which Florida would have if they won, is almost insurmountable.
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