Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov leaves game after hit from Abdelkader

Is Justin Abdelkader in trouble? The Florida Panthers certain think he will be when he laid down a huge open ice hit that may have come into contact with Aleksander Barkov's head, leaving the Panthers forward staggering.

DETROIT — Florida Panthers centre Aleksander Barkov has been knocked out of a game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Red Wings winger Justin Abdelkader landed his left shoulder high on Barkov in the second period of Monday night’s game. Soon after Barkov passed the puck up ice from deep in Florida’s end, he was hit hard by Abdelkader and lost his stick while he fell back onto the ice.

Barkov’s return to the game was ruled out because of what the team described as an upper-body injury. The 20-year-old Finn is among Florida’s leaders with 16 goals and 35 points. He signed a six-year extension worth about $35 million with Florida last month.

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