Aleksander Barkov Back At Practice

Updated: June 13, 1:35 pm

Aleksander Barkov will play in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, according to Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice.

According to Jameson Olive of FloridaPanthers.com, Barkov was taking line rushes at Thursday’s morning skate in between Evan Rodrigues and Sam Reinhart.

Puck drop is at 8 pm on ABC.

Updated June 12, 12:02 pm

Aleksander Barkov will be a game-time decision for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. The Florida Panthers captain was back on the ice for practice on Wednesday in Ft. Lauderdale.

The Panthers first-line center went to the dressing room and didn’t return after taking a high hit from Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl halfway through the third period in Game 2 on Monday. 

Draisaitl left his feet and delivered an elbow to Barkov’s jaw, bringing Barkov to the ground for a couple of minutes before being helped off the ice by trainers. Draisaitl was assessed a two-minute penalty, and received no fine or suspension for the play. 

Paul Maurice update on Barkov. pic.twitter.com/Pgl6Y2w8Bh

— Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) June 12, 2024

Managing Uncertainty

Head coach Paul Maurice sounded more positive when the Panthers went back to their practice facility in Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday than he was after the 4-1 win on Monday. 

“He came in today, he wasn’t worse, so that’s a really good thing,” Maurice said after Tuesday’s practice. “The real assessment will be (Wednesday). But if he continues to progress, we should be in really good shape.”

Now, on Wednesday, things look a little bit more positive — although still not certain.

Aleksander Barkov was back on the ice for practice in his usual white jersey. That means he was cleared for full-contact. He was taking rushes with his usual first-line mate in Sam Reinhart along with Evan Rodrigues. Rodrigues was moved up to the top line during his two-goal performance in in Monday’s victory.

“Felt better today,” Maurice said. “Got through skate today as far as I know. He’ll get checked after. Get him on a plane, get him off a plane, get him on the ice and we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow. He looked good today.”

The Panthers will fly to Edmonton this afternoon. Game 3 is tomorrow at 8 pm. Stay tuned for our post-game show, live after the game!