Leon Draisaitl's Hit and Its Consequences
Leon Draisaitl's hit on Aleksander Barkov has stirred significant conversation among fans and analysts alike. The incident, which led to a two-minute minor penalty for roughing, took place during a critical juncture with the Panthers holding a narrow 2-1 lead over the Oilers.
Barkov was playing the puck in his defensive zone when Draisaitl came in on the forecheck, left his skates, and made contact with his elbow to Barkov's jaw. As a result, Barkov fell to the ice and required immediate medical attention before heading to the trainers' room. He was unavailable for the final 9:28 of the game.
Despite the loss of their captain, the Panthers rallied to close out the game, securing a victory and extending their series lead to 2-0. In a subsequent power play, Evan Rodrigues capitalized on Draisaitl's penalty, netting his second goal of the game and solidifying the Panthers' win.
NHL Department of Player Safety Decision
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the hit extensively and concluded that it did not warrant a suspension. They determined that Draisaitl's hit was not predatory nor delivered with an intent to injure. Draisaitl's clean record, with no prior suspensions and only two fines, played a significant role in this decision.
The department also considered Barkov's condition while making their decision. Although visibly shaken by the hit, reports indicate that Barkov's health is trending in the right direction, and he appears likely to play in Game 3.
Key Player Contributions
Barkov has been a key player for the Panthers, tying for the team lead with 19 points in 19 games alongside Matthew Tkachuk. His role in neutralizing Edmonton's star player, Connor McDavid, who has managed only one assist in the series so far, has been critical to the Panthers' success.
On the other side, Draisaitl remains a vital player for the Oilers, ranking second on the team in both goals and points during the postseason. His availability for Game 3 is a significant relief for the Oilers as they look to turn the series around.
Team Reactions
Panthers head coach shared 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 expressed the team's sentiment:
"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 seek to apply even more pressure on the Oilers.
The Oilers, on the other hand, will need to capitalize on having Draisaitl back in the lineup and find ways to generate more offense, particularly from McDavid, who has been effectively contained thus far.
Discipline and Focus
Edmonton's forward, Sam Carrick, was fined $2,213.54 for slashing Florida's Dmitry Kulikov. Both teams recognize the importance of maintaining discipline and focus as they continue to vie for playoff success.
A veteran player emphasized the need for mental discipline:
"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 awaiting 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 stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable as these two teams prepare to clash once again. The outcome of Game 3 might just set the tone for the remainder of the series.