The Hit and Its Consequences
Leon Draisaitl's hit during the recent game resulted in a two-minute minor penalty for roughing, a pivotal moment in the match between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. The incident occurred with the Panthers leading 2-1, adding significant tension to an already high-stakes game.
Aleksander Barkov was handling the puck in his defensive zone when Draisaitl, in an aggressive forecheck, left his skates and made contact with his elbow to Barkov's jaw. The forceful hit left Barkov on the ice, requiring immediate medical attention. He was subsequently taken to the trainers' room and was unavailable for the final 9:28 of the game. Despite this setback, the Panthers rallied to close out the game, securing a victory and extending their series lead to 2-0. Evan Rodrigues capitalized on the ensuing power play, scoring his second goal of the game.
Player Safety Decision
Following the hit, the NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident thoroughly. In their assessment, they determined that Draisaitl's actions did not merit a suspension. The Department did not view the hit as predatory or delivered with intent to injure. This decision was influenced by Draisaitl's relatively clean record; he has no history of illegal hits to the head and only two fines in his career.
The Department of Player Safety also took into consideration Barkov's status for Game 3. Although visibly shaken by the hit, reports indicate that Barkov's health is trending positively, and he is on track to play in the next game. This news is undoubtedly a significant boost for the Panthers as they look to maintain their momentum.
Key Player Contributions
Barkov has been instrumental in the Panthers' playoff success, tying for the team lead with 19 points in 19 games, alongside Matthew Tkachuk. Additionally, Barkov has played a crucial defensive role, effectively shutting down Edmonton's star player, Connor McDavid, who has managed only one assist in the first two games of the series.
On the other hand, Draisaitl remains a vital player for the Oilers, ranking second on the team in both goals and points in the postseason. Having him available for Game 3 is a significant relief for Edmonton, as they will need his offensive prowess to counter the Panthers' defense and make a series comeback.
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."
His sentiment was echoed by another player who remarked, "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, putting even more pressure on the Oilers. Meanwhile, Edmonton will need to capitalize on having Draisaitl back in the lineup and devise strategies to generate more offense, particularly from McDavid, who has been effectively contained thus far.
In another disciplinary action, Edmonton's forward Sam Carrick was fined $2,213.54 for slashing Florida's Dmitry Kulikov. Both teams understand the importance of maintaining discipline and focus as they continue their quest for playoff success. One veteran player emphasized this, 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."
Fans are eagerly anticipating 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 stage a comeback and the Panthers aiming to extend their lead.