Barkov's Game 3 status to be decided after travel

Florida Panthers star Aleksander Barkov was a full participant in practice Wednesday, but his status for Thursday's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final will be determined after the club travels to Edmonton.

"Felt better today," head coach Paul Maurice said, per team reporter Jameson Olive. "Got through skate today as far as I know. He'll get checked after. Get him on a plane, get him off a plane, get him on the ice and we'll see where he's at tomorrow. He looked good today."

The Panthers flew out of Florida about three and a half hours late on Wednesday afternoon, departing at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET due to inclement weather.

Barkov left the ice after taking a high hit from Leon Draisaitl in the third period of Florida's Game 2 victory. The Oilers forward received a roughing minor but escaped supplemental discipline.

Aleksander Barkov went to the locker room after taking this high hit from Leon Draisaitl#TimeToHunt | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/63VV17p3fS

- Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) June 11, 2024

Florida's captain was on the ice Wednesday in a normal face shield and was in his usual spot on the top line between Evan Rodrigues and Sam Reinhart.

Barkov has been instrumental in Florida's playoff success so far, registering 19 points in 19 games while logging over 21 minutes per night. The reigning Selke Trophy winner is routinely pitted against opponents' top lines but has only been on the ice for eight goals at five-on-five in the postseason, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Florida owns a 2-0 lead with the series now shifting to Edmonton. The Panthers are 6-2 on the road this postseason, while the Oilers are 6-3 at home.

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