Florida Panthers Prepare for Game 3 Amid Uncertainty Over Barkov
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — As the Florida Panthers gear up for Game 3 of their playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the status of their captain, Aleksander Barkov, remains a pressing concern. Following a significant hit from Brandon Hagel during Game 2, the team’s focus is on whether Barkov will be fit to play on Saturday.
Suspension for Hagel
Notably absent from the upcoming match will be Hagel, whose hit on Barkov resulted in a 5-minute major penalty for interference. The NHL’s department of player safety imposed a one-game suspension on Hagel, confirmed late Friday. This decision comes as the Panthers lead the series, having won both initial games in Tampa Bay.
Coach’s Game Plan
Head coach Paul Maurice indicated that he is contemplating multiple lineup variations for Game 3, which will take place on home ice in Sunrise. “He hasn’t been ruled out yet and he hasn’t been cleared,” Maurice remarked regarding Barkov’s health status.
Barkov’s Immediate Impact
The absence of Barkov is felt significantly; he has been a cornerstone of the Panthers’ playoff strategy, participating in all 73 playoff games since joining the team. Barkov holds the franchise records for playoff appearances, assists (43), and points (62), and is tied for third place in goals scored during the postseason (19).
Team Resilience
Amidst the uncertainty regarding Barkov, forward Evan Rodrigues expressed confidence in both the captain’s recovery and the team’s ability to adapt, stating, “He’s a strong guy. It’s the playoffs. Those things are going to happen. He’ll bounce back and we’ll bounce back as a team.”
Remaining Disciplined
Despite the circumstances, Maurice emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline rather than seeking retaliation for Hagel’s hit. “We made a pretty significant shift in how we approach games halfway through last year to become a very disciplined team and we can’t lose that,” he explained. The Panthers intend to stick to their gameplay style while pushing to win as fiercely as possible.
With the series poised at 2-0 in favor of Florida, the Panthers are eager to capitalize on home advantage while dealing with the uncertainties of their captain’s condition.