Panthers Take 2-0 Series Lead, But Barkov’s Status Loom Large

Sunrise, FL – The Florida Panthers have a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final as they ship up to Edmonton for games three and four. 

After going down 1-0 to the Oilers in the first period, Niko Mikkola scored on a one-timer from an Anton Lundell drop pass just above the left faceoff circle halfway through the second period

Three minutes into the third frame, Evan Rodrigues intercepted a clearing attempt from Evan Bouchard in the Panthers’ offensive zone and fired a wrister to take the 2-1 lead. The Panthers winger would notch another insurance goal on the power play with 7:34 to go in the game. It was a tap-in from a pass by Lundell on the half boards.

Aaron Ekblad finished the game off with an empty-netter.

After Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky allowed a goal to Mattias Ekholm on Edmonton’s first shot of the game, he stopped the next 18 shots. The Panthers defense had allowed just seven shots on goal through the first 40 minutes, and 12 in the final frame. None of those 19 total shots were considered a high-danger shot, according to Natural Stat Trick. They only had one high-danger chance – which didn’t even result in a shot being taken – and zero high-danger chances during 5-on-5.

Aleksander Barkov’s injury

Despite the 4-1 win, there was an air of anger and uncertainty after the game, especially from Panthers head coach Paul Maurice.

About halfway through the third period, with Florida up 2-1, Oilers center Leon Draisaitl delivered a high hit to the Panthers captain and first-line center. Draisaitl left his feet and delivered an elbow to Barkov’s jaw.

Barkov would remain down on the ice for about a minute before being helped to the dressing room by team trainers. He would not return to the game.

After review, Leon Draisaitl received a two minute minor for roughing on this play pic.twitter.com/RUte3qm4zw

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 11, 2024

Maurice, who has become known for his playful and humorous press conferences this season – even after losses – was straight-faced and serious as ever after Monday’s win.

When asked for an update on Barkov after the game, the 25-year NHL head coach simply said “none.”

“The league will take a look at it,’’ Maurice said. “They look at every hit.’’

When asked about his thoughts on the hit, Maurice said: “this isn’t the Oprah Winfrey Show. My feelings don’t matter.”

Panthers coach Paul Maurice didn’t have much to say on the injury to his captain Sasha Barkov or the hit that knocked him out, but his tone made it pretty clear he wasn’t happy with the way it happened:

“This isn’t the Oprah Winfrey show. My feelings don’t matter.” pic.twitter.com/ttgHORVNqx

— Will Manso (@WillManso) June 11, 2024

Post-game Reflections

In the locker room, it seemed like none of the Panthers wanted to discuss their thoughts. But one can assume their truthful comments wouldn’t have been safe for television.

“You never want to see your captain go down, but I thought everyone did a great job, focused in and got the job done,” Rodrigues said.

Matthew Tkachuk said “I have no response or comment on that.”

Oilers first-year Kris Knoblauch downplayed the hit in his presser.

“I think he went in there to make a hit, his hands got up a little high,” Knoblauch said. “He’s trying to knock him off the puck, and that led to the penalty.”

This postseason, Barkov has notched a career-high in goals (6) and assists (13), has been fantastic on 5-on-5 defense, and has been a big reason the Panthers have recorded an 89.7 percent penalty kill rate in the playoffs.

The NHL inserted an extra travel day for this series, meaning the Panthers (and Oilers) will have two full days before they play Game 3. As of this writing, the NHL has not handed down a punishment on Leon Draisaitl, and the Panthers do not have an update on Barkov.