FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers are awaiting confirmation on the availability of their captain, Aleksander Barkov, for Saturday`s playoff game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Barkov exited Game 2 with 10:09 remaining after a hit from Tampa Bay`s Brandon Hagel during the Panthers` victory on Thursday. Late Friday, the NHL announced Hagel would be suspended for Game 3.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice mentioned preparing “two or three” potential lineups for Game 3, which will be played at home in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers currently hold a 2-0 lead in the series.
When questioned about Barkov`s condition, Coach Maurice stated, “He hasn’t been ruled out yet and he hasn’t been cleared.”
Following the hit, Barkov remained on one knee for a moment before skating off to the locker room, not returning to the game. Hagel received a five-minute major penalty for interference on the play. The NHL`s Department of Player Safety later suspended him after a review.
Since joining the team, Barkov has participated in every one of Florida`s 73 playoff games. He is the Panthers` franchise leader in playoff games played, assists (43), and total points (62). He is also tied for third in playoff goals scored (19).
Florida forward Evan Rodrigues commented on the situation, saying, “He`s a strong guy. It`s the playoffs. Those things are going to happen. He`ll bounce back and we`ll bounce back as a team.”
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday with puck drop at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT.
Tristan Blackwood