Panthers’ Barkov returns to full practice; status for Game 3 unknown

More positive news for fans of one of the teams in the Stanley Cup Final.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was seen at the team’s full practice on Wednesday, prior to the team heading to Canada for Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards pointed out that Barkov was wearing a typical visor, rather than a modified face shield that some might have expected.

Near the halfway mark of the second game of the series on Monday, Barkov received a hit from the Oilers’ Draisaitl, which knocked the Finnish forward to the ice.

After receiving some assistance, Barkov was able to skate off the ice, but did not return for the remainder of the game. The Panthers would go on to win the game, 4-1, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Draisaitl received a minor penalty for roughing on the play, but did not receive any supplemental discipline.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice mentioned on Tuesday that Barkov “wasn’t doing worse, so that’s a really good thing.”

Richards mentioned that some believed Barkov was in concussion protocol before skating with the team on Wednesday. It has yet to be decided whether or not the veteran will be in the lineup for Game 3. If he is good to go, that will surely damper the Oilers’ confidence, even though they are returning to home ice. However, if Barkov is deemed unfit to play, that might give Edmonton a boost to get back into the series.

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.

Game 3 from Edmonton is set for Thursday night, with puck drop a little after 8 p.m. ET.