The Florida Panthers are two wins away from winning the Stanley Cup. Florida is up 2-0 in its series with the Edmonton Oilers after an impressive 4-1 victory on Monday night. The team is hoping that they won't be without one of their best players for the rest of the series.
Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov was injured during the third period of Game 2. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice spoke with the media today with an initial update on Barkov's injury status.
“He wasn't worse, so that's a really good thing,” Maurice said, per Jameson Olive on X/Twitter. “The real assessment will be tomorrow.” Maurice added that if Barkov continues to make good progress they should be in “good shape.”
Barkov and Oilers center Leon Draisaitl were locked in a skirmish for the puck against the boards. Draisaitl hit Barkov high and sent him to the ice.
Maurice made it clear to the media that the Panthers are ready to move on from the Draisaitl hit.
“The league will make their decision,” Maurice said. “And then we're not dealing with that any more today.”
Draisaitl was asked on Monday evening about the hit. He brushed off the idea that he let his frustration boil over.
“I don’t think that’s frustration. It was just a hit,” Draisaitl said. “I don’t think there’s anything dirty about it. Maybe I got him a little high. Certainly not with intent to injure, though, or anything like that.”
Maurice did not speak directly about the hit following Game 2. However, it is easy to read between the lines and see that he was frustrated with Draisaitl's hit.
Both teams should be awaiting the NHL's judgement on the hit. If Draisaitl were to be suspended, it would significantly impact Edmonton's ability to win Game 3.
Previewing Game 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final: Oilers vs. Panthers
It should go without saying that the Barkov / Draisaitl situation itself could have a major impact on the rest of the series.
Florida losing Barkov would be a tough blow at a critical point in the series where the Panthers could take complete control with another victory. Meanwhile, a possible suspension for Draisaitl could put Edmonton seriously behind the eight ball.
The Panthers are hoping that goalie Sergei Bobrovsky can continue to play at an absurd level. Bobrovsky has effectively shut down the high-powered Oilers offense that features both Draisaitl and superstar Connor McDavid.
Bobrovsky has only allowed one goal on 51 shots on goal through Games 1 and 2. This is incredibly impressive in and of itself, but it is more fantastic when you realize that Edmonton has put together one of the all-time best special teams performances throughout the postseason.
The Oilers are competing to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada. A Canadian team has not won the trophy since the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup Final in 1993. Their fans are expected to bring some raucous energy in Games 3 and 4.
Game 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final will take place in Edmonton on Thursday night at 8PM ET.
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