The Panthers are riding high as the 2024 Stanley Cup Final shifts to Edmonton for the next two games. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been stellar so far in net, the defense has held the Oilers to just one goal in the series and as a result, the team carries a 2-0 lead.
However, a major factor for Game 3 could be the availability of Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.
The 2024 Selke Trophy recipient left Monday's Game 2 after a high hit from Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, putting his status for Thursday into question.
Losing Barkov even for one game would be a massive blow to the Eastern Conference champions. The two-way center has been a key reason why Florida is playing for the Stanley Cup, bringing his shutdown defense every night against the opponent's top scorers, while providing 19 points in just as many games.
The Panthers are already going to be facing a desperate Oilers team looking to cut the deficit in the series to a game. If Paul Maurice's unit has to play without Barkov, that adds another challenge for stopping Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the potent Edmonton offense.
Here is the latest on Barkov's status for Thursday's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
MORE: What is Aleksander Barkov's injury? Latest details, timeframe for Panthers captain
Is Aleksander Barkov playing tonight in Game 3?
Paul Maurice announced that Barkov will play in Thursday's Game 3 on the afternoon of the event.
The signs were already pointing in the right direction for the Panthers captain. He was a full participant at practice on Wednesday, centering the top line for Florida. Barkov traveled with the team to Edmonton and will be re-evaluated ahead of Game 3.
"Felt better today. Got through skate today as far as I know," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said of Barkov, per the Panthers' Jameson Olive. "He'll get checked after. Get him on a plane, get him off a plane, get him on the ice and we'll see where he's at tomorrow. He looked good today."
Barkov was then at morning skate again on Thursday, a positive sign for his ability to play in Game 3.
Aleksander Barkov injury update
Barkov left Game 2 between the Panthers and Oilers with 9:28 remaining in the third period after taking a high hit from Draisaitl.
With the Panthers captain maintaining possession of the puck along the boards, the Oilers star came barreling down to make contact. However, Draisaitl did not opt for a shoulder-to-shoulder check, instead launching himself high towards Barkov's head, connecting his elbow to Barkov's jaw.
Leon Draisaitl was assessed a minor penalty for roughing for this hit on Aleksander Barkov. pic.twitter.com/fBP73jsk7S
— ESPN (@espn) June 11, 2024
Aleksander Barkov took an elbow to the jaw from Leon Draisaitl#TimeToHunt | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Y5i1d4PTz9
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) June 11, 2024
Barkov stayed down on the ice and was attended to by a trainer. He was eventually helped off the ice, but he went down the tunnel.
The officials reviewed the play and deemed it a two-minute minor penalty for roughing against Draisaitl. Evan Rodrigues scored his second goal of the game on the ensuing power play, putting the Panthers up 3-1 at the time.
Despite rumbling that he could face a suspension or fine, Draisaitl received no such discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety for the hit.
What channel is Panthers vs. Oilers on today?
- TV channel: ABC (U.S.) | Sportsnet, CBC, TVA (Canada)
- Live stream: Fubo
As is the case for every Stanley Cup Final game in 2024, Game 3 between the Panthers and Oilers on Thursday will be shown live on ABC in the U.S. In Canada, options are fluid, as Sportsnet, CBC and TVA carry the games.
Regarding streaming, Fubo is the main platform for NHL-seeking cord-cutters. It also offers a free trial for those interested in purchasing.
Panthers vs. Oilers Game 3 start time
- Date: Thursday, June 13
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final commences with puck drop around 8 p.m. ET and will take place at Rogers Place in Edmonton-Alberta.
Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final schedule
Panthers lead 2-0
| Date | Game/Result | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., June 8 | Panthers 3, Oilers 0 | -- | -- |
| Mon., June 10 | Panthers 4, Oilers 1 | -- | -- |
| Thurs., June 13 | Game 3: Panthers at Oilers | 8 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
| Sat., June 15 | Game 4: Panthers at Oilers | 8 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
| Tues., June 18 | *Game 5: Oilers at Panthers | 8 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
| Fri., June 21 | *Game 6: Panthers at Oilers | 8 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
| Mon., June 24 | *Game 7: Oilers at Panthers | 8 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
*if necessary
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