Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov was a full participant at practice on Wednesday and will travel with the team to Edmonton.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice said a final decision on his captain’s availability for Game 3 on Thursday night will happen after the team gets to Edmonton. They fly Wednesday afternoon.
“Felt better today. Got through skate today as far as I know. 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,” Maurice told reporters Wednesday. “He looked good today.”
Barkov received a high hit from Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl midway into the third period of Monday’s game. Barkov sat out the final 9:28 of the Panthers’ 4-1 victory in Sunrise, Fla.
The Panthers hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final.
Barkov, 28, was voted the Selke Trophy winner as the best defensive forward this season, marking the second time he has won the award. He also received the honor for the 2020-21 season.
He recorded 80 points (23 goals, 57 assists) in 73 games during the regular season. He has 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 19 playoff games.
–Field Level Media