Leon Draisaitl's Controversial Hit and Its Aftermath
Leon Draisaitl's hit on Aleksander Barkov resulted in a two-minute minor penalty for roughing. The incident occurred with the Panthers leading 2-1 in the game, adding significant tension to the matchup. Barkov was playing the puck in his defensive zone when Draisaitl came in on the forecheck, left his skates, and made contact with his elbow to Barkov's jaw. The impact was severe enough that Barkov fell to the ice and required medical attention before heading to the trainers' room. Barkov was unavailable for the final 9:28 of the game.
Despite this setback, the Panthers’ players rallied to secure 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 solidifying the Panthers' win.
Player Safety Decision
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit thoroughly but determined that it did not meet the criteria necessary for a suspension. They assessed that Draisaitl's hit was not predatory nor delivered with the intent to injure. Draisaitl's clean history also played a role; he has no suspensions and only two fines in his career for illegal hits to the head. Another factor considered was Barkov's status for Game 3. Reports indicate that although visibly shaken, Barkov's health is trending positively, and he appears on track to play in the next game.
Key Player Contributions
Barkov has been instrumental for the Panthers, tying with Matthew Tkachuk for the team lead with 19 points in 19 games. His contributions go beyond scoring, as he has played a crucial role in shutting down Edmonton's star player, Connor McDavid, who has only managed one assist in the series' first two games. On the other hand, Draisaitl remains a vital player for the Oilers, ranking second on the team in both goals and points during the postseason. Having him available for Game 3 is a significant relief for the Oilers, who will need their star power to mount a comeback.
Team Reactions
Panthers head coach made a statement regarding 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 remarked, "You never want to see your captain go down, but I thought everyone did a great job focusing and got the job done." Commenting on the hit itself, a Panthers' representative said, "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 aim to maintain their momentum heading into Game 3. Barkov's expected return will be a significant boost for the team as they strive to exert even more pressure on the Oilers. Conversely, the Oilers need to capitalize on having Draisaitl back in the lineup and find ways to generate more offense, especially from McDavid, who has been effectively contained thus far in the series.
Additionally, Edmonton's forward Sam Carrick was fined $2,213.54 for slashing Florida's Dmitry Kulikov, emphasizing the importance for both teams to maintain discipline and focus as they continue their quest for playoff success. A veteran player weighed in, stating, "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."
The anticipation is high as fans eagerly await the next matchup. Edmonton's home crowd is poised to support their team in what promises to be another fiercely contested game. Game 3 will be pivotal for both teams, with the Oilers looking to stage a comeback while the Panthers aim to extend their lead. Both sides are aware of the stakes and understand the need to stay focused and disciplined in their pursuit of victory.