In Game 2 of the series between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, tensions flared late in the third period. At 9:51, Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel delivered a hit on Florida’s captain, Aleksander Barkov, that sent him to the ice immediately. The hit stunned the crowd at Amalie Arena and drew a major penalty after the referees reviewed the play.
The Panthers were clearly unhappy with the situation, and fans are still waiting for updates on Barkov’s condition. According to a Panthers insider, head coach Paul Maurice commented that Barkov hasn’t been cleared to play in Game 3, but he also hasn’t been ruled out yet. That uncertain status leaves Florida in a tough spot. While they hold a 2-0 lead in the series, Barkov’s presence is crucial for maintaining momentum and maximizing their performance.
Right now, it’s unclear whether Barkov is dealing with a confirmed injury. The decision on his availability for the next game will likely depend on how he responds in the coming days and what medical evaluations reveal following the hit.
As the series continues, the Panthers are in a strong position, but all eyes remain on the status of their captain heading into Game 3.