Insiders confirm the worst for Panthers' Alexander Barkov after major injury at practice
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Analyst Can Robinson has reported that Florida's Captain Alexander Barkov left practice early because of an injury he sustained, needing to be helped off the ice by two teammates.
Florida's coach prepares team to face adversity following potentially serious injury
According to a new update from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Barkov is now having surgery and could be done for the entire season.
There was not much coach Paul Maurice could do, really, except prepare his team to compete, and take a positive approach to dealing with Barkov's injury.
«It's beyond our control,» Maurice said after practice on Thursday. «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.
It will get looked at (on Thursday). I will have a better answer for you tomorrow."
It will get looked at (on Thursday). I will have a better answer for you tomorrow."
It was just an awkward fall at practice, but it could have a major cost against the Panthers.
Yet, losing a player of Barkov's caliber will no doubt have an impact on the club. The two-time Stanley Cup champ is the team's all-time leader in goals, assists and points - his production will be missed if he missed a significant amount of time.
And not only from an offensive point-of-view; Barkov has won the Selke Trophy three times and is one the league's best two-way players.
Head coach Paul Maurice, however, is taking the business-as-usual approach.
«If he's out of the lineup on opening night, or if he misses an exhibition game, or if he is out long term, it's just not going to affect that day,» Maurice said. «We have to win the hockey game. We have to prep for it. That's all.»
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