Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl not facing discipline for hit on Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov in Game 2

During Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, Leon Draisaitl received a roughing minor for his hit on Aleksander Barkov. This hit left Barkov questionable for Game 3 on Thursday. Draisaitl’s hit knocked Barkov out of the game with 9:28 remaining in the third period, forcing him to sit out the rest of the match. Despite the hit, Draisaitl did not receive any supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the only punishment handed out after the game was a fine to Sam Carrick of the Oilers for slashing Panthers’ defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. Draisaitl’s hit was not deemed predatory or intending to injure Barkov, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski. The Oilers’ forward, who has never been suspended in his NHL career, expressed after the game that he did not see anything illegal in his hit on Barkov.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice provided an update on Barkov’s condition, stating that Barkov wasn’t feeling worse, which is a positive sign. Barkov will be evaluated again on Wednesday before Game 3 in Edmonton. Despite Barkov’s absence from Game 2, Maurice remains optimistic about the captain’s recovery, emphasizing the need to ensure he is strong before returning to play.

Barkov has been a key player for the Panthers this postseason, with six goals and 19 points in 19 games. His presence on the ice has been vital for Florida, and his potential return for Game 3 would be a significant boost for the team as they look to maintain their series lead over the Oilers.