(Sunrise) Star forward Aleksander Barkov should be back on the ice soon, maybe very soon, and the news has brought a collective sigh of relief to the Florida Panthers.
It’s not entirely certain whether the Panthers captain will play in Game 4 of the Eastern Final against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.
He left game number 3 in the first period, due to a lower body injury.
His return is a possibility, coach Paul Maurice said Tuesday — which is obviously a very good sign for a team that is one win away from the Stanley Cup final.
Barkov was described as a questionable case after the injury; he did not return in the match in question. Since then, tests and evaluations have ruled out any major problems.
“It was more of a precaution than anything, to rule out something serious,” Maurice said. We are very optimistic that he will return soon and when he does, he will be ready. We are optimistic for Game 4. If necessary, we could see it in Game 5.”
Barkov may have official duties to perform if Florida wins Wednesday night.
The Prince of Wales Trophy awaits the winning team in the East. It is usually presented to the captain, then it becomes clear whether the captain is superstitious or not. Some don’t touch it at all and politely pose for photos, others do, and some – Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin in recent years – have taken it and skated around with the trophy for a bit.
“He’s an integral part of our team,” forward Eetu Luostarinen said of Barkov. He shows it on the ice. Obviously, we want him as much as possible on the ice. »
Barkov was hit by Carolina’s Jack Drury with about seven minutes left in the opening period of Game 3, showing no clear signs of discomfort afterward.
Barkov returned to the bench after his appearance on the ice and spoke with Panthers medical staff before heading to the locker room.
Barkov has four goals and 12 points in 15 games in the current playoffs.
The Panthers have a 3-0 lead as they try to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1996.