Barkov leaves in second period for Panthers following awkward fall

Captain Aleksander Barkov left the game in the second period for the Florida Panthers against the San Jose Sharks due to an awkward fall while battling for the puck. The 31-year-old forward had missed all of the 2025-26 season recovering from ACL and MCL surgery on his right knee, which he suffered during the first day of that season's training camp. Barkov was playing in just his second game of the current season after missing the previous campaign but had previously competed for Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship where he served as captain and helped win gold.

Via NHL.com: www.nhl.com/news/aleksander-barkov-leaves-in-sec

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