The Hit and Its Consequences
Leon Draisaitl's hit on Aleksander Barkov during the Panthers vs. Oilers playoff game not only earned him a two-minute minor penalty for roughing but also shifted the game's momentum. The pivotal incident occurred with the Panthers holding a narrow 2-1 lead.
Barkov was controlling the puck in his defensive zone when Draisaitl came in aggressively on the forecheck. Draisaitl left his skates, making contact with his elbow to Barkov's jaw. The hit caused Barkov to fall to the ice, requiring immediate medical attention, and he was subsequently taken to the trainers' room. This incident rendered him unavailable for the last 9:28 of the game.
The Panthers, however, rallied remarkably. They secured a victory, extending their series lead to 2-0. Evan Rodrigues capitalized on the ensuing power play from Draisaitl’s penalty, notching his second goal of the game.
Player Safety Decision
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit extensively. After consideration, they determined that it did not meet the criteria necessary to warrant a suspension. They concluded that Draisaitl's hit was neither predatory nor delivered with malicious intent to injure.
It's important to note that Draisaitl has no history of illegal hits to the head. His record consists of no suspensions and only two fines throughout his career. Moreover, the Department of Player Safety considered Barkov's condition and potential availability for Game 3 in their decision-making process. Reports suggest that Barkov's health is improving, and he seems on track to participate in the next game.
Key Player Contributions
Aleksander Barkov has been crucial for the Panthers, tying for the team lead with 19 points in 19 games, alongside Matthew Tkachuk. His defensive prowess has also been critical in neutralizing Edmonton's superstar, Connor McDavid, who has managed only one assist in the first two games of the series.
On the other hand, Leon Draisaitl remains a vital player for the Oilers, ranking second on the team in both goals and points this postseason. His availability for Game 3 is a significant relief for the Oilers as they look to regain their footing in the series.
Team Reactions
The Panthers' head coach provided an update on 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 shared their thoughts on the situation:
"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 hit itself, a Panthers representative commented:
"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 put even more pressure on the Oilers. On the other side, Edmonton will need to make the most of Draisaitl's presence and find ways to generate more offense, especially from McDavid, who has been effectively contained thus far.
In a related note, Edmonton forward Sam Carrick was fined $2,213.54 for slashing Florida's Dmitry Kulikov. Both teams are acutely aware of the importance of maintaining discipline and focus as they continue their playoff pursuits.
One veteran player encapsulated the sentiment well:
"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."
As Game 3 approaches, fans eagerly await what promises to be a fiercely contested matchup. Edmonton's home crowd is poised to support their team in what could be a pivotal game for both sides—the Oilers looking to make a comeback and the Panthers aiming to extend their lead.