Concerning information about Aleksander Barkov's possible season-ending injury

The captain of the Florida Panthers was forced to exit to the locker room during the third period following a contentious hit from Leon Draisaitl. Despite having possession of the puck and bracing for impact, Barkov was struck on the jaw by Draisaitl, who leapt and extended his elbow.

Draisaitl received a two-minute penalty for the hit, and Barkov did not return to the game.

See the incident unfold here:

Presently, concerning reports indicate that Barkov could potentially miss the remainder of the playoffs. Speculations suggest Barkov may have sustained a broken jaw, a type of injury that hockey players cannot easily overcome:

Following the game, Panthers' head coach Paul Maurice appeared visibly displeased during his press conference. Despite securing their second win of the Finals, he straightforwardly stated that the League will review the incident and that his personal sentiments are inconsequential:

Should Barkov indeed have a broken jaw, there have been suggestions that he could potentially continue playing with a caged helmet. However, if he has a concussion, he is likely to miss several games:

Barkov, alongside Sergei Bobrovsky, is instrumental for the Panthers, and his absence will undoubtedly pose challenges in containing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, particularly with the Oilers playing the next two games on home turf.

Regrettably for Draisaitl, he may face missing one or two games if the League's Department of Player Safety reviews the incident and decides to suspend him.

Stay updated as further details concerning Barkov's condition are anticipated to be disclosed ahead of game three on Wednesday night.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Worrying details of Aleksander Barkov's potential season-ending injury emerge