Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov questionable for Game 3 vs. Lightning

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Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov’s availability is in question for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday in Sunrise, Fla.

Barkov sustained an undisclosed injury after he was laid out away from the puck by Lightning forward Brandon Hagel at the 9:51 mark of the third period on Thursday night in Tampa. Barkov did not return to the game, a 2-0 win that gave the Panthers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Hagel, who received a five-minute interference penalty, was suspended for Game 3 at a disciplinary hearing with the league on Friday.

“Long after the puck is gone, Hagel loads up and delivers a high, hard body check that makes some head contact on Barkov,” the NHL Department of Player Safety stated in its video explaining the suspension. “This is interference. It is important to note that Barkov is never in possession of the puck and is therefore never eligible to be checked in any manner.”

Panthers coach Paul Maurice addressed Barkov’s status for Game 3 after Friday’s practice.

“He hasn’t been ruled out yet, and he hasn’t been cleared,” Maurice said.

Barkov, 29, has three assists in the series. The Finnish forward recorded 71 points (20 goals, 51 assists) in 67 games during the regular season.

He was voted the Selke Trophy winner as the best defensive forward last season. He also received the honor for the 2020-21 season.

Barkov is the franchise leader in several categories, including goals (286), assists (496), points (782) and game-winning goals (52). He was selected by the Panthers with the second overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft.

–Field Level Media