Panthers Captain Barkov Suffers Scary Leg Injury at Practice: Unable to Get Off Ice Himself
Photo credit: NBC Sports
There was a concerning scene during Panthers practice today as captain Aleksander Barkov was hurt and needed help getting off of the ice and did not return.
The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are already without Matthew Tkachuk, who underwent surgery during the summer and is expected to miss the 1st several weeks of the new season.
And now, it looks like another top name could be added to their injured list. Captain Aleksander Barkov was hurt during today's practice session and needed help to get off the ice; he did not return to practice.
Per reports, Barkov wasn't able to put any weight on his leg as he was helped off the ice.
Last year with the Panthers, Barkov had 71 points (20G, 51A).
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice reacts to Barkov's injury
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice kept a business-like approach to Barkov's potential absence, saying his team has no choice but to win games regardless of who is available to play or not.
It's beyond our control. We have to learn to win hockey games without good players. If that's the adversity or the test that we face this year, then that's what we're going to do. I'm not a doctor, so whatever the report is won't affect how we handle the next days.
If he's not in the lineup on Opening Night or if he misses an exhibition game or if he's out long-term, it's just not gonna affect that day. We've gotta win hockey games. We've gotta prep for it. That's all.
-Paul Maurice
If he's not in the lineup on Opening Night or if he misses an exhibition game or if he's out long-term, it's just not gonna affect that day. We've gotta win hockey games. We've gotta prep for it. That's all.
-Paul Maurice
The Panthers start their 2nd straight year of Stanley Cup defense next month as they open against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7.
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