The Hit and Its Consequences
Leon Draisaitl's hit earned him a two-minute minor penalty for roughing in a crucial moment of the game. The incident occurred with the Panthers leading 2-1, adding a layer of tension and physicality to an already intense playoff series. As Aleksander Barkov played the puck in his defensive zone, Draisaitl came in on the forecheck, left his skates, and made contact with his elbow to Barkov's jaw.
Barkov fell to the ice and required immediate medical attention, leading him to head to the trainers' room and miss the final 9:28 of the game. Despite this setback, the Panthers rallied and secured a victory, extending their series lead to 2-0. Evan Rodrigues capitalized on the power play resulting from Draisaitl's penalty, scoring his second goal of the game and contributing to the Panthers' triumph.
Player Safety Decision
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit extensively but determined that it did not meet the criteria for a suspension. The hit was not viewed as predatory or delivered with the intent to injure. This decision was influenced by Draisaitl's relatively clean record, with no suspensions and only two fines in his career.
Additionally, the Department of Player Safety considered Barkov's status for Game 3 in their assessment. Barkov, although visibly shaken by the hit, is reportedly trending in the right direction, raising hopes of his participation in the next game.
Key Player Contributions
Aleksander Barkov has been instrumental for the Panthers, tying for the team lead with 19 points in 19 games, a feat he shares with Matthew Tkachuk. Barkov's prowess is not limited to offensive contributions; he has played a crucial role in shutting down Edmonton's star player, Connor McDavid, who has managed only one assist in the first two games of the series. Barkov’s anticipated return in Game 3 will undoubtedly strengthen the Panthers' lineup.
On the other hand, Draisaitl remains a vital player for the Oilers, ranking second on the team in both goals and points in the postseason. Having him available for Game 3 is a significant relief for the Oilers as they look to turn the tide of the series.
Team Reactions
The Panthers' head coach provided an update on Barkov's condition: "He came in today. He wasn't worse. That's a really good thing. The real assessment will be tomorrow, but if he continues to progress, we should be in good shape." Another player commented on the incident, saying: "You never want to see your captain go down, but I thought everyone did a great job focusing and got the job done."
Addressing the hit, a Panthers' representative remarked: "I think he went in there to hit. His hands got up a little bit high. He was trying to knock him off the puck, and that led to the penalty."
Looking Ahead
With a 2-0 series lead, the Panthers are poised to maintain their momentum heading into Game 3. Barkov's expected return will be a significant boost for the team as they aim to put even more pressure on the Oilers. For Edmonton, the task is clear: they need to capitalize on having Draisaitl back in their lineup and find ways to generate more offense, particularly through McDavid, who has been effectively contained thus far.
Edmonton's forward, Sam Carrick, was also fined $2,213.54 for slashing Florida's Dmitry Kulikov, underscoring the importance of maintaining discipline. Both teams understand the significance of staying focused and disciplined as they continue their quest for playoff success. As one veteran player put it, "Part of that is the mental discipline to leave the game where it is regardless of the result. It's done for me. It's all done."
Fans are eagerly anticipating the next matchup, with Edmonton's home crowd prepared to support their team in what promises to be another fiercely contested game. Game 3 will undoubtedly be pivotal for both teams, with the Oilers looking to mount a comeback and the Panthers aiming to extend their lead.