Barkov injured vs. Golden Knights after taking elbow up high

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov exited Thursday's 4-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights and was unable to return due to an upper-body injury.

Barkov sustained the ailment after taking an elbow up high from Golden Knights defenseman Alec Martinez during the first period. The blue-liner went to sweep the puck around the boards behind Vegas' net and caught Barkov in the face as the center went to complete his check.

Here's the elbow that sent Barkov to the room. pic.twitter.com/9DekaAe2pp

- Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) January 5, 2024

Barkov played just under five minutes before departing the contest.

The Panthers also announced forward Evan Rodrigues wouldn't return to the game because of a lower-body injury.

Florida head coach Paul Maurice didn't have an update on Barkov or Rodrigues after the game, according to team beat reporter Jameson Olive.

Barkov ranked second on the Panthers with 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists) in 34 outings heading into Thursday's Stanley Cup Final rematch.

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