The Hit and Its Consequences
Leon Draisaitl's hit on Aleksander Barkov resulted in a two-minute minor penalty for roughing, setting a pivotal moment in a tense playoff game. The incident occurred with the Panthers holding a narrow 2-1 lead. Barkov was in his defensive zone playing the puck when Draisaitl charged in on the forecheck. Leaving his skates, Draisaitl made contact with his elbow to Barkov's jaw.
Barkov's reaction was immediate and concerning. He fell to the ice, needed medical attention, and subsequently headed to the trainers' room. The Panthers' captain was unavailable for the last 9 minutes and 28 seconds of the game. However, his teammates rallied magnificently. Evan Rodrigues scored his second goal of the game on the ensuing power play, capitalizing on the penalty, and the Panthers secured the win, extending their series lead to 2-0.
Player Safety Decision
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit and determined that it did not warrant a suspension. They assessed that Draisaitl's hit was neither predatory nor delivered with intent to injure. Moreover, Draisaitl's relatively clean record, with no suspensions and only two fines in his career, played a part in their decision-making process.
The Department also took into account Barkov's status for Game 3. Initial reports were optimistic about his condition, and it's expected that he will be ready to play in the next game. This news provides a significant boost for the Panthers, given Barkov's instrumental role in the series thus far.
Key Player Contributions
Barkov has been a standout for the Panthers, sharing the team lead with 19 points in 19 games alongside Matthew Tkachuk. Besides his offensive contributions, Barkov's defensive efforts have been crucial in shutting down Edmonton's star player Connor McDavid. McDavid has been limited to only one assist in the first two games of the series, a testament to Barkov's two-way prowess.
Leon Draisaitl, on the other hand, remains a vital player for the Oilers. He ranks second on the team in both goals and points in the postseason. Having Draisaitl available for Game 3 is a significant relief for the Oilers as they seek to rejuvenate their offensive efforts.
Team Reactions
Panthers head coach indicated that Barkov’s condition is improving: "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 Panthers player remarked, "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 commented, "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. The anticipated return of Barkov is expected to be a significant boost for the team, providing them with additional firepower and defensive reliability.
For the Oilers, having Draisaitl back in the lineup is crucial. They need to find ways to generate more offense, especially from McDavid, who has been effectively contained. The Oilers also need to capitalize on their opportunities and maintain discipline, as evidenced by Sam Carrick's recent fine of $2,213.54 for slashing Florida's Dmitry Kulikov.
Both teams understand the importance of maintaining focus and discipline as they continue their pursuit of 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 from both sides are eagerly awaiting the next clash. Edmonton's home crowd will be pivotal in supporting their team in what promises to be another fiercely contested game. Game 3 will undoubtedly be crucial for both teams—the Oilers looking to stage a comeback, and the Panthers aiming to extend their series lead.