Aleksander Barkov, who played a great early season, was injured against Anaheim.
Florida’s Finnish star and captain Alexander Barkov was injured in the night’s NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Barkov had a tough time in the midfield when the Anaheim defender Jackson LaCombe tackled a Finn in the middle area. The two’s knees collided and Barkov flew to the surface of the ice from the impact.
The judges also looked at the possibility of a bigger penalty from the video, but ended up with a two-minute suspension for the fight.
Barkov left the ice straight to the locker room and did not play in the game again. Barkov’s exit was not visible in the television images transmitted by Viaplay, but he left the ice looking pained.
The Finnish center has played at a wild level this season. He has scored 6+11 points in 16 matches and excelled especially in the defensive direction.
Florida already took a 2-0 lead against Anaheim in the opening set, led by the Finns. First Eetu Luostarinen hit his first of the season in front of the goal by Anton Lundell input. Later at the end of the set Oliver Ekman-Larsson got to enjoy Lundell’s catering.
In the third period, Anaheim was narrowed down by Frank Vatrano’s hit, but the Panthers’ lead lasted until the end.