Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is set to return to the lineup after missing eight games due to a lower body injury. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Barkov will play against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night, just in time for the Panthers’ upcoming trip to Finland, Barkov’s hometown.
Barkov, a two-time Frank J. Selke winner for the NHL’s top defensive forward, sustained the injury when he collided with the end boards while trying to stop Tim Stutzle from scoring an empty-net goal in a game against Ottawa on October 10. Despite the Panthers’ success without him, Maurice emphasized the importance of not rushing Barkov back too soon for precautionary reasons.
The Panthers, who are currently leading the Atlantic Division with a record of 6-3-1, will face off against the Dallas Stars in Tampere, Finland as part of the NHL’s Global Series. This highly anticipated return of Barkov to the lineup is a significant boost for the defending Stanley Cup champions as they look to maintain their strong position in the league standings.
Barkov’s presence on the ice not only adds depth to the Panthers’ lineup but also serves as a source of inspiration for his teammates. His leadership as captain and exceptional skills as a forward make him a key player for the team, and his return will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their performance in the upcoming games.
As the Panthers embark on their journey to Finland, the fans eagerly await Barkov’s return to action and look forward to seeing him showcase his talent on the international stage. His comeback from injury marks a significant moment for the team and reinforces their determination to continue their winning streak as they strive for another shot at the Stanley Cup.