It looks like Barkov will be back in the Panthers lineup tonight after missing Saturday's game vs. the Flyers. Although it is not confirmed that he will be back in, he did all the necessary things in the gameday skate to get back into the lineup. Stay tuned.
Barkov left last night's game in the third period after playing just 13:31. He missed practice on Friday and is considered questionable for Saturday's game. He has had a slow start to the season, scoring just one goal in the first eight games.
The Panthers season is all but over so there is no reason to get Barkov back in the lineup. They are expected to rest him for the remainder of the year and get him going for 2014-15 after great rookie campaign.
There is no timetable for Barkov's return, but with only two months left in the regular season, he is expected to miss multiple weeks, his fantasy value heading forward is extremely limited. He has been excellent posting eight goals and 16 assists (24 points) in 54 games this season. In deep keeper leagues and dynasty leagues, Barkov appears to have great value and a bright future. Nick Bjugstad, the Panthers' other impressive rookie center, appears set to fill-in for Barkov and center the line with Sean Bergenheim and Brad Boyes.
As if Team Finland needed another offensive setback with an already depleted line up, they will have to rely on their secondary scoring as their only source of offensive production. Luckily for Finland, most of their scoring over the past 2 games of the tournament has come from their 2nd and 3rd lines, respectively.
Barkov has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury and was expected to be held out tonight, but now he is going to be in the lineup. The rookie has 24 points (8G / 16A) in 50 games this season.
Despite returning to practice on Friday afternoon, Barkov may sit one more game before returning to the Panthers' lineup on Tuesday. Barkov has missed the last four games after suffering a lower-body injury on January 21.
Barkov will miss his third straight game on Tuesday after suffering a lower-body injury last Tuesday.
The road-trip begins on Sunday in Detroit, he will not play tomorrow, but could join the team at some point during the trip. The Panthers play Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday next week, so keep an eye on Barkov's status.
Barkov’s absence means more ice time for Nick Bjugstad, center Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester. Barkov, who is the Panthers leading scorer with 24, was injured on Tuesday, but is not expected to miss an extended period of time. If he can't go tonight, look for him to return on Sunday against Detroit.
Barkov was injured on Tuesday in Buffalo and is listed as day-to-day. Barkov's injury is not believed to be serious and he could play tomorrow, depending on his availability for the morning skate.
Coach Peter Horachek said the injury isn't considered serious adding that Barkov was lifted from the game for precautionary reasons. Barkov, the second-overall pick of the 2013 draft, leads the Panthers in points with 24 in 50 games. Barkov is day-to-day and should be in the lineup on Friday vs. Colorado.
Barkov might just crack the young Panthers' roster out of camp as they'll need a forward to fill Weiss' shoes. Don't expect him to reach his potential in year one but in a few years, the center should be a legitimate fantasy option.
