The Florida Panthers are set to welcome again captain Aleksander Barkov tonight towards the Buffalo Sabres, as confirmed by head coach Paul Maurice. Barkov’s return from damage comes simply in time for the NHL World Collection in Finland on November 1 and a pair of. He’ll be an enormous increase for the group, now 6-3-1 on the season.
After lacking the final eight video games as a consequence of a lower-body damage, believed to be a excessive ankle sprain sustained towards the Ottawa Senators on October 10, Barkov participated absolutely in follow over the weekend. The Panthers have performed nicely navigating video games with out him, however they’ll be thrilled to have him again. He resumed skating every week after getting harm however Maurice mentioned the Panthers didn’t wish to rush him again for precautionary causes. As a result of they had been taking part in so nicely, there was no have to hurry him.
The Panthers are presently main the Atlantic Division and are faring fairly nicely together with the Tampa Bay Lightning who’re 5-3-0.
Anticipate Barkov to Choose Up The place He Left Off With the Panthers Earlier than His Harm
Barkov will return to the ice with Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues as his wingers. Reinhart has continued his robust play, whereas Barkov’s presence is anticipated to supply a much-needed increase to Rodrigues, who has struggled early on with simply three factors and a -10 score.
Barkov is coming off a stellar season, the place he led Panthers forwards with a +33 score and 61 takeaways, whereas additionally contributing considerably through the playoffs.
Subsequent: Bobby McMann’s Unlikely Journey to the Maple Leafs Prime Six