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Greg Wyshynski, ESPNJun 11, 2024, 03:43 PM ET
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.
Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl avoided suspension for his illegal hit that took Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov out of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The NHL Department of Player Safety ruled on Tuesday that Draisaitl will neither be fined nor suspended for the hit, which received a two-minute minor for roughing.
The Panthers lead the series 2-0 after Monday night’s 4-1 victory, with Game 3 scheduled for Thursday night in Edmonton. Florida coach Paul Maurice indicated on Tuesday that Barkov’s health is trending in the right direction.
“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,” said the coach.
Barkov is tied for the team lead with 19 points in 19 games, sharing it with Matthew Tkachuk. The winner of the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward, Barkov has been essential to the Panthers shutting down Oilers star Connor McDavid, who has one assist in two games.
Meanwhile, Edmonton will have Draisaitl in the lineup for a must-win Game 3. He’s second on the Oilers in goals (10) and points (28) in the postseason.
With the Panthers leading 2-1 in the third period of Game 2, Barkov played the puck in his defensive zone. Draisaitl came in on the forecheck, left his skates and his elbow contacted Barkov’s jaw. The Florida captain fell to the ice, was tended to by medical staff and then left for the trainers’ room.
Maurice said his star center was unavailable for the last 9:28 of the game. Panthers players said a key to victory was not allowing the loss of Barkov to impact how they closed out the game.
“I think we rallied. We did what we had to do to win the game,” said winger Evan Rodrigues, who scored his second goal of the game on the ensuing power play. “You never want to see your captain go down, but I thought everyone did a great job…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40328369/oilers-leon-draisaitl-not-suspended-hit-aleksander-barkov
Author : Greg Wyshynski
Publish date : 2024-06-11 20:48:42
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