Aleksander Barkov’s direct words about the seriousness of the injury
Aleksander Barkov‘s new injury doesn’t feel the same to Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice as the knee injury that sidelined the Finnish captain last season.
The extent of Barkov’s injury, which he sustained to his left leg against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, is still unclear.
– We don’t even know the extent of the injury yet, so it doesn’t feel at all the same as last year, Maurice told the press on Sunday.
Barkov was placed on the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) list on Saturday. He faces at least a ten-game and 24-day absence.
Last season, Florida lost other key players in addition to Barkov due to injuries and missed the playoffs as the reigning back-to-back champions. Maurice believes the team is now better prepared for their captain’s absence.
– Last season we had only a quarter tank of gas left, and the following week we lost other players from our lineup. Now we have good depth in the roster. We’ll get through this, Maurice assures.
Maurice is counting on the experienced players.
– The situation feels completely different than last year. We now have a lot of depth and veteran-level players who can help us move forward, Maurice observed.
In practice, Lars Eller took Barkov’s spot on the top line. However, in last night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks, Sam Reinhart played in the center of that line. The Panthers lost 2–3 in overtime.
Read more
- Rasmus Ristolainen’s torment continues in the NHL – yet another terrible setback
- TPS star received a massive ban for biting – TS: Denies the accusations
- A terrible setback for SHL’s Finnish star in Sweden – a long sick leave is looming
- The league’s star defender received a suspension – the disciplinary committee dismissed the explanation
- IL: Jukka Jalonen’s new job was revealed
- IS: HIFK has signed the head coach of a competitor – negotiations are already advanced!
- Urheilucast: Jori Lehterä opened the door for the league’s championship favorite – this will decide everything!
- Lehtitieto: The Liiga club loses its point machine – a new club is already known!
- The Young Lions team announced – now the final performances are given before the World Championship selections
- Jussi Tapola steps aside from the Lions – an experienced name as a replacement