Barkov ‘isn’t doing worse’, status unclear for Game 3

While there was some concern for one of the Florida Panthers’ top stars following their win in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, their bench boss is doing his best to keep things positive.

When speaking to the media on Tuesday, head coach Paul Maurice stated that captain Aleksander Barkov “wasn’t doing worse, so that’s a really good thing.”

Barkov received a hard hit from Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl near the halfway mark of the third period on Monday night. Barkov ended up leaving the game after receiving some assistance on the ice, and did not return.

The Panthers went on to win, 4-1, taking a sizeable lead heading back to Edmonton.

Maurice told the media that, “the real assessment will be tomorrow.” He said the Panthers will be in “good shape” if Barkov continues to make progress prior to Game 3.

The Finnish star has been a key member of the Panthers in the run to their second straight Cup Final. Along with picking up two assists in Florida’s win in Game 1, he has scored 19 points in 19 games.

With how good Barkov has been in these playoffs, and the series shifting north of the border, the absence of the longtime Panther could help the Oilers turn the series in their favor.

On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Colby Cohen explain what could happen if Barkov does miss any time in the Final.

Colby Cohen: When you go down a player of that caliber, it does, without a doubt [swing momentum]. It certainly takes a breather off of [Connor] McDavid and Draisaitl…they’re not going to be playing against him, shift in and shift out. Then, you look at more of the defensive pairs, although I haven’t really seen hard matchups against McDavid or Draisaitl when it comes to the defensive pairs.

It definitely will shift the pendulum back. I think going back home shifts the pendulum to Edmonton anyway, home ice is huge in Edmonton…but I’d be lying if I sat here and said that it doesn’t make a difference. If you tell me that Barkov is done for the series, all of a sudden I’m thinking about this series a lot differently.

You can watch the full segment and the entire episode here…