Panthers optimistic about Aleksander Barkov for Game 4

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is not expected to be sidelined for long due to a lower-body injury sustained in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, coach Paul Maurice told WQAM in Miami on Tuesday.

Barkov was injured following a seemingly innocuous hit along the boards by Jack Drury during the first period of Florida's 1-0 victory over the visiting Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. Barkov did not return to