Hold your breath, Florida Panthers fans.
Aleksander Barkov exited against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday following an awkward fall along the boards in the second period.
The Panthers captain appeared to get tripped up and fell backward onto his left ankle and knee. He instantly got up and headed straight for the locker room while limping and slammed his gloves in frustration on the way.
Thursday was Barkov's second game back after missing all of last season with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered in training camp.
The 31-year-old led the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cups in the years prior. In 2024-25, he had 20 goals and 51 assists for 71 points in 67 games.
Barkov hasn't been able to crack the score sheet this season.
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