Just two games into the new NHL season, the Florida Panthers are managing an injury to their top line center.
Panthers captain Sasha Barkov suffered an apparent lower-body injury during Thursday’s loss to the Ottawa Senators.
In the game’s final moments, Barkov went skates-first into the back boards while trying to defend against an empty-net goal by Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Barkov needed help off the ice and did not appear able to put any weight on his right leg.
Afterwards, all Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice would say was that Barkov was going to be evaluated that night and probably again the following day.
On Friday, with Florida traveling to Buffalo for their matchup with the Sabres on Saturday night, reports began to surface regarding Barkov’s injury.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Barkov’s injury is believed to be a bad sprain.
Some positive news regarding Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov’s status, all things considered: Hearing he’s not sustained a significant injury, but what’s being considered a bad sprain. He is likely out week-to-week.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 11, 2024
While that kind of an injury could keep Barkov out for multiple weeks, it’s a far better diagnosis than any kind of tear or fracture.
Something that severe which would likely keep Barkov out for months instead of weeks, but if the report is accurate, it appears he may have dodged any long-term bullets.
Maurice is expected to address the media on Saturday morning when Florida holds a morning skate at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
That’s when the next official update on Barkov should come.
Stay tuned.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS – FLORIDA
Three takeaways: Poor start cost Panthers in Ottawa, power play not quite clicking yet
Sasha Barkov being evaluated after leaving Panthers loss in Ottawa with injury
Sasha Barkov injured, Panthers fall 2-1 in Ottawa
Panthers kick off season’s inaugural roadie with tilt in Ottawa against scrappy Senators
Carter Verhaeghe latest member of Panthers core to sign long-term, team friendly extension
