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Sports injury expert berates Mark Spector's medical opinion on Aleksander Barkov's injury
Sports injury expert Dr. Harjas Grewal has criticized Mark Spector for his viewpoint on Aleksander Barkov's injury. On Monday, the Florida Panthers captain was hurt in the third period of Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers.
Barkov got injured after taking a hit from Leon Draisitl's right elbow to the jaw. The Panthers captain fell on the ice and required the assistance of team trainers before eventually exiting the matchup after registering 17:37 minutes on the ice.
Leon Draisaitl was hit with a two-minute minor penalty for roughing. In Mark Spector's viewpoint of Barkov's injury, he speculated that the Panthers captain's injury is probably not a broken jaw but more likely an unpredictable concussion issue.
Spector also opined that the only situation where Draisaitl would be suspended is if Barkov is unable to play.
"Playing doctor here: By this, we can assume it's not a broken jaw for Barkov. That WOULD be worse — swollen, sore, the next day. So most likely a concussion issue. Which we all know is impossible to predict. IMO, only way Draisaitl is suspended is if Barkov out. Doesn't sound out," Spector wrote on X.
In response, sports injury expert Dr. Grewal criticized Mark Spector's medical assessment of Aleksander Barkov's injury by saying Spector is more suited to playing the role of a clown than giving medical opinions.
"I think you are better at playing a clown," Dr. Harjas Grewal responded to Spector on X.
Aleksander Barkov's injury remains unknown. However, given that he was struck in the jaw by Draisaitl, it is highly probable that the injury is related to the head, such as a broken jaw concussion, or another head-related issue. His status for Game 3 also remains unknown.
Florida Panthers HC provides latest on Aleksander Barkov
Panthers coach Paul Maurice said on Tuesday that Barkov's condition wasn't worse, which is a positive sign. Maurice also noted that if Barkov keeps improving, the Panthers will be in a favorable position (via Panthers' Jameson Olive on X):
"He wasn't worse, so that's a really good thing. The real assessment will be tomorrow." He adds that if Barkov continues to make good progress they should be in "good shape."
Aleksander Barkov has been a key player for the Panthers this season and also won the 2024 Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the league. In the playoffs, Barkov leads the team with 19 points (six goals and 13 assists) in 19 games.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 takes place on Thursday at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
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