Crucial health update: Aleksander Barkov's status revealed before game 3
In a crucial health update, Aleksander Barkov's status was possibly revealed on Wednesday morning ahead of the third game of the Stanley Cup Finals.
For the first time since the Finals started, teams enjoyed an extra day off that couldn't have come at a better time.
Aleksander Barkov's injury suffered in Game 2 vs the Oilers
In the final period of the second game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, Barkov had to leave the ice following a dirty hit from Leon Draisaitl.
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Draisaitl's dirty hit on Barkov: no suspension incoming
After the incident, a lot of people shared their opinions on X about the hit, which led to multiple debates.
Some believed Draisaitl deserved a suspension for his actions:
"This has to be worth at least a game suspension for Draisaitl. That's some textbook intent to injure."
Others believed the hit was clean:
"Wait a minute. THIS is the Draisaitl hit everyone's talking about? This is a 2-minute penalty max.
I love that we are growing the game, but how many casuals are actually thinking this is 'suspension' worthy?
Take the penalty call, grow up, and move on."
Later, it was confirmed that Draisaitl wouldn't be suspended and could take part in game three on Thursday night as his team tries to get back in the series.
Can the Florida Panthers win without Aleksander Barkov?
In the first two games of the Finals, the competition was intense and even if the Panthers managed to get two wins, it could've gone the other way on both nights.
Barkov has arguably been the Panthers' best player in the playoffs and if he were to miss time, containing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl wouldn't be an easy task for his teammates.
Fortunately, an update about his health was released that suggests he could take part in the next game.
Update on Barkov's health
This morning, the Panthers' players held a practice session in Florida before flying off to Edmonton as they prepare to face the Oilers. In a surprising twist, Barkov was on the ice with his team and took part in the practice, indicating that he should be in the lineup for tomorrow's game:
Per @GeorgeRichards and @JamesonCoop
Aleksander Barkov is practising today with the Panthers. They fly to Edmonton this afternoon
More Aleksander Barkov skating this morning. He left game two in the third period after taking a hit from Leon Draisaitl
Yesterday Paul Maurice said today was the big day for evaluation. This is a good sign the Captain will play
Stay tuned for further updates on Barkov's health as we get closer to game three!
Previously on HockeyPatrol
| POLL |
12 JUIN | 482 ANSWERS Crucial health update: Aleksander Barkov's status revealed before game 3 Do you think the Edmonton Oilers will win game three considering Aleksander Barkov's status? |
| Yes | 249 | 51.7 % |
| No | 233 | 48.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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