The Hit and Its Consequences
Leon Draisaitl’s hit on Aleksander Barkov raised eyebrows and stirred controversy. During a forecheck, with the Panthers leading 2-1, Draisaitl left his skates and made contact with his elbow to Barkov's jaw. The result was a two-minute minor penalty for roughing.
Barkov fell to the ice, requiring immediate medical attention before heading to the trainers' room. Consequently, he was unavailable for the final 9:28 of the game. Despite this setback, the Panthers managed to rally, closing out the game with a victory and extending their series lead to 2-0. This momentum was further bolstered when Evan Rodrigues scored his second goal of the game during the resulting power play.
Player Safety Decision
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident thoroughly. After consideration, they determined that Draisaitl’s hit did not reach the level necessary to warrant a suspension. While the hit was noted as rough, it was not viewed as predatory or delivered with intent to injure. Draisaitl’s clean record, with no previous suspensions and only two fines in his career, played a crucial role in this decision.
The department also took into account Barkov's recovery status. Barkov, though visibly shaken by the hit, showed positive signs during his recovery. Indications suggest that his health is trending positively, and he appears on track to participate in Game 3.
Key Player Contributions
Barkov has been a cornerstone for the Panthers during this postseason, tying with Matthew Tkachuk for the team lead with 19 points in 19 games. His defensive prowess has been instrumental in neutralizing Edmonton’s star player, Connor McDavid, who has managed only one assist in the first two games of the series.
Draisaitl’s availability is crucial for the Oilers, especially given his ranking as the second in both goals and points for the team this postseason. His presence in Game 3 is a significant relief for Edmonton, who will be looking to generate more offensive opportunities, particularly from McDavid.
Team Reactions
Panthers head coach provided an update on Barkov’s condition, stating, “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.”
A team player commented, “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 action that led to the penalty, a Panthers representative noted, “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 keen to maintain their momentum heading into Game 3. Barkov’s expected return will provide a significant boost, enabling the team to exert even more pressure on the Oilers.
On the flip side, the Oilers will need to capitalize on Draisaitl being back in the lineup and explore new strategies to break through the Panthers' tight defense. Among these strategies will be figuring out ways to free up McDavid, who has been effectively contained thus far.
Disciplinary Actions
Notably, Edmonton’s forward, Sam Carrick, was fined $2,213.54 for slashing Florida’s Dmitry Kulikov. This fine reflects the league’s emphasis on maintaining discipline and focus within the teams vying for playoff success.
Mindset and Focus
As one veteran player encapsulated, “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.” This sentiment underlines the importance of maintaining a resilient mindset throughout the playoffs.
Fans Anticipate the Next Matchup
Fans eagerly await the next matchup, with Edmonton’s home crowd poised to support their team in what promises to be another fiercely contested game. Game 3 will undoubtedly be pivotal for both teams, with the Oilers looking to make a comeback and the Panthers aiming to extend their lead.
The stage is set for an intense and high-stakes showdown. Both teams understand the significance of maintaining discipline and focus as they proceed in their quest for playoff glory.
“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.”
“You never want to see your captain go down, but I thought everyone did a great job focusing and got the job done.”
“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.”
“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.”