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Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov received a bone-crushing hit from Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brandon Hagel during Game 2 on Thursday, and head coach Paul Maurice delivered a concerning one-word response.
The tension within the Battle of Florida between the Panthers and Lightning certainly heightened on Thursday when Brandon Hagel threw a bone-crushing hit on Captain Barkov, who didn’t have a puck.
Florida secured a 2-0 win but ultimately took the loss as Barkov exited and did not return to the game.
Paul Maurice delivers update on Barkov
Maurice’s words have struck concern throughout the Panthers’ fan base.
When asked if there’s any word on the Captain’s condition, Maurice stated ‘nope’.
He has also not been deemed out for Game 3, but has not been approved to play
He has also not been deemed out for Game 3, but has not been approved to play
Barkov’s exit from the game is clearly confirmed to be far from just precautionary measures, we can only hope it’s not anything related to a brain injury (concussion).
«The rivalry is growing. We just hate them more and more every time we play them.»
Said Panthers’ pest Sam Bennett.
Despite the message sent by Bennett of their rivalry growing, no response by the Panthers was taken after their captain was cheapshotted.
Game 3, set to take place on Sunday in Florida, will certainly be one to keep your eyes on.