Kristen ShiltonESPN NHL Reporter2 minute read
Panthers captain Barkov is out in the first half with an injury
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov leaves the first period of Game 3 with an apparent injury.
SUNRISE, Fla. — Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov sat out the first period of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night with a lower back injury. body.
He was listed by the team as questionable but did not return in the Panthers’ 1-0 win.
Coach Paul Maurice didn’t get an update on Barkov’s status after the win.
Barkov missed the final 7:04 of the first frame. He walked out into the Panthers locker room after suffering a hip control from Carolina forward Jack Drury on his last recorded shift. The piece seemed innocuous at the time but could have caused Barkov some discomfort.
The Panthers – now up 3-0 in the series – entered the second period without one of their best centers. Barkov has four goals and 12 points in 14 playoff games and is one of the club’s best forwards. He has two goals and an assist in the first two games of this series.
In Barkov’s absence, Eetu Luostarinen moved to Florida’s center front line.
Game 4 is Wednesday.