Aleksander Barkov Ready for Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final
EDMONTON | The Panthers' captain, Aleksander Barkov, is confirmed to play in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Barkov was questionable for Thursday after taking a forearm to the jaw from Edmonton Oilers' center Leon Draisaitl midway through the third period of Monday’s 4-1 victory, which gave Florida a 2-0 lead in the series.
Head coach Paul Maurice also confirmed that winger Vladimir Tarasenko (undisclosed) would be in the lineup.
The Selke Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defensive forward, Barkov practiced on Wednesday before the team flew to Edmonton, despite not returning to action in Game 2.
The Oilers have their own injury concerns heading into the critical matchup at Rogers Place, with uncertainties surrounding defenseman Darnell Nurse (suspected hip injury) and winger Evander Kane (sports hernia). Veteran forward Corey Perry, who was a healthy scratch in Game 2, is also expected to play.
Edmonton had to manage most of Monday's game with only five defensemen after Nurse left following a hit from Florida winger Evan Rodrigues in the first period. Nurse made a brief return but was mostly sidelined.
Losing Darnell obviously wasn’t ideal early,Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard said after the game. He’s a big part of the back end.”
Draisaitl received a two-minute roughing penalty for the hit on Barkov but avoided further discipline from the NHL’s department of player safety. The 28-year-old has no history of suspensions.
I’m not a player who plays with an intent to injure,” Draisaitl stated Thursday. “I caught him in an unfortunate spot. I’ll leave it at that.
Barkov’s return is a significant boost for the Panthers, who have successfully limited Edmonton’s offensive threats, including Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, in the first two games.
Panthers forward Kyle Okposo praised Barkov’s defensive skills and overall play.
He just does so many things exceptionally well,” Okposo said of Barkov. “His awareness on the defensive side of the puck and how hard he works off the ice — just everything. Phenomenal all-around player.
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