Aleksander Barkov Possibly Seriously Injured by Massive Hit in Game 2 Against Tampa Bay

The Florida Panthers already have a 1-game lead in their opening round Stanley Cup postseason series against the divisional foe Tampa Bay Lightning, and they're hoping to make it a 2-0 lead during tonight's Game 2 at Amalie Arena.

But they may have to play the remainder of the game (and potentially) longer without the services of captain Alexsander Barkov.

Barkov was shaken up after taking a questionable hit from Tampa forward Brandon Hagel in the corner; the hit was blatant interference, as the puck was nowhere near Barkov.

But upon further review, the on-ice officials assessed a 5-minute major penalty to Hagel for interference (but did not eject him from the game).

Barkov appeared dazed as he was surrounded by his teammates and while he was being tended to by a Panthers team trainer; he slowly made his way back to the bench and eventually down the tunnel toward the locker room.

He has not returned to the bench as of yet.

The replay shows that Barkov's shoulder appeared to be the principal point of contact for the hit, which Lightning coach Jon Cooper attempted to argue to the officials to no avail.

The good news for the Lightning is that they were able to kill off the entire major penalty, keeping the Panthers from adding an insurance goal.

At the time of the hit, the Panthers were maintaining their 1-0 lead after defenseman Nate Schmidt scored his 3rd goal of the series early in the 1st period.