Leon Draisaitl’s Hit on Barkov Sparks Controversy in Stanley Cup Final
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Paul Maurice’s demeanor belied the fact that his Florida Panthers are just two wins away from capturing their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. The veteran coach, with a stern expression and glassy eyes, was visibly perturbed following a decisive 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers that gave his team a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final.
Despite the win, Maurice’s post-game focus was on a controversial hit that marred the third period. When asked about Leon Draisaitl’s check that injured Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, Maurice was blunt. “This isn’t ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show,’” he retorted. “My feelings don’t matter.”
The incident occurred with 9:28 remaining in the third period. Draisaitl, the Oilers’ star forward, delivered a high check that appeared to target Barkov’s jaw with his right forearm. Barkov, a two-time Selke Trophy winner, crumpled to the ice and required assistance from trainers. He made an attempt to stand but fell again, clearly dazed. Initially, the referees did not call a penalty, but after a huddle with the linesmen, they assessed Draisaitl a two-minute minor for roughing.
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The Panthers capitalized on the power play, with Evan Rodrigues netting his second goal of the period, extending Florida’s lead and snapping Edmonton’s streak of 34 consecutive penalty kills over their last 12 games. Barkov did not return to the game, and Maurice indicated that the decision was not precautionary.
“There was 9:28 on the clock, I believe, in a 2-1 game,” Maurice stated tersely. “I’m not holding him (out).”
The hit drew immediate attention from George Parros, the head of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, who was in attendance. The possibility of supplemental discipline for Draisaitl looms, as he is currently tied for second in playoff scoring with 28 points, alongside teammate Evan Bouchard.
“The league looks at everything,” Maurice said. “They’ll look at every hit.”
As the series shifts back to Edmonton, the Panthers will be without their captain for the foreseeable future, but they carry a commanding series lead and a coach determined to see his team through the adversity. Maurice’s resolve is clear, as is his expectation for the league to address the hit on Barkov. The stage is set for a dramatic continuation of the Stanley Cup Final.
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