Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov faced an injury during Game 2 of the first-round playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following a hit from Brandon Hagel, Barkov left the game and did not return, raising concerns about his status. Coach Paul Maurice could not provide an update postgame, and while the Panthers hope for his quick return, players emphasize his pivotal role on the team, particularly in high-pressure situations like playoffs. The Panthers lead the series 2-0, but Barkov's absence would be a substantial loss for their campaign.
"He's an irreplaceable player," defenseman Seth Jones said. "Face-offs, power play, penalty kill, five-on-five, playing against their top lines, the matchups every night. He's one of the best time in the league. Obviously, he's super important to our team."
Barkov did not play the final 10:09 after being leveled by the Lightning's Brandon Hagel behind the Tampa Bay net. Hagel was handed a five-minute major penalty for interference on the play, and Barkov went to the dressing room under his own power but did not return to the game.
When asked postgame if there was any update on Barkov, Maurice simply said 'Nope.' An exact injury was not disclosed. Game 3 of the best-of-7 series will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.
Anton Lundell, who usually assumes Florida's top-line center responsibilities when Barkov is sidelined: "He means everything. He's our captain, our leader. Obviously we never want to have him out of the lineup, but at the same time, we've got to be able to step up - everybody, not just me, the whole team."
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