Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov and Vladimir Tarasenko to play Game 3

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice spoke to the media this morning and confirmed that Aleksander Barkov and Vladimir Tarasenko are ready to play in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final vs. Edmonton tonight.

Barkov made an early exit from Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final on Monday night after being on the receiving end of a high hit by Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl.

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.”

The incident occurred at the 10:32 mark of the third period of Monday’s game at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Draisaitl was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for roughing on the play. Draisaitl did not receive any supplementary discipline from the NHL’s Department of Safety.

Barkov has been one of the Panthers’ top players throughout the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He registered two assists in Florida’s 3-0 win over the Oilers in Game 1 and now has 19 points in 19 contests this postseason.

Meanwhile, Tarasenko has notched three goals and seven points in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff contests with the Panthers. Florida acquired Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 third-round pick.

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final is set for Saturday.