Late in the game, with the Oilers trailing, Draisaitl delivered a questionable hit. He left his feet and hit Barkov in the face with his arm. Draisaitl received a minor penalty for the hit, but he could face further discipline if the league reviews the incident. Barkov left the ice with trainers and did not return for the rest of the game.
While many thought Barkov stayed in the locker room as a precaution, reports now suggest he may have suffered a serious injury, possibly a broken jaw, which could end his season.
The Panthers lead the series 2-0, but losing their captain could be a major setback. It might give Connor McDavid a chance to face weaker competition, potentially helping the Oilers make a comeback in the series. However, if the NHL Department of Player Safety reviews the hit and considers the injury, the Oilers could also lose Draisaitl.
