Barkov 'ready to roll' as Panthers try to close out Hurricanes
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is expected to return from a lower-body injury for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers lead the series 3-0 and are looking to close it out.
Kimberly Guilfoyle
The Florida Panthers are one win away from the Stanley Cup Final, and they will be getting a big boost for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. Captain Aleksander Barkov, who has been sidelined since Game 1 with a lower-body injury, is expected to return to the lineup.
"He's ready to roll," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. "Freshest guy on the ice."
Barkov is the Panthers' leading scorer in the playoffs with 12 points (four goals, eight assists). He is also one of the team's best defensive players. His return will be a huge boost for the Panthers, who are looking to close out the Hurricanes and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history.
The Panthers have a 3-0 lead in the series and are looking to sweep the Hurricanes. They have been dominant in the series, outscoring the Hurricanes 11-3. The Panthers have also been the better team at home, winning all three games of the series at FLA Live Arena.
The Hurricanes are facing an uphill battle, but they are not giving up. They have won two straight playoff series after trailing 2-0, and they are hoping to do it again against the Panthers.
"We're not going to give up," Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho said. "We're going to keep fighting."
The Panthers will be looking to close out the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes will be looking to extend the series and force a Game 5.
Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final will be played on Wednesday night at FLA Live Arena.
