Barkov questionable for Panthers in Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final | NHL.com

Voted the Selke Trophy winner as the best defensive forward in the NHL this season, Barkov has been a key part of shutting down Oilers superstar forwards Connor McDavid and Draisaitl through two games. McDavid had one assist and three shots on goal in Game 2, and Draisaitl was held without a point on two shots. Before the Oilers lost 3-0 in Game 1 on Saturday, McDavid (31 points; five goals, 26 assists) and Draisaitl (28 points; 10 goals, 18 assists) had combined for 59 points through 18 playoff games.

In fact, the NHL’s top three scorers in the postseason — McDavid, Draisaitl and Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (28 points; six goals, 22 assists) — have combined for two assists in the Final. Bouchard also had an assist Monday.

Barkov had two shots on goal in 17:47 of ice time in Game 2 after having two assists in 21:06 of ice time in Game 1.

Maurice wasn’t prepared to answer whether Barkov will travel to Edmonton.

“I don’t know if I can do all the hypotheticals for you,” Maurice said. “He left. We had some things that needed to get looked at today that got looked at, so there’s nothing sinister there. So, he kind of passed that. He felt better today, feels good.

“But you’ve got to give it then another 24 hours to make sure that he’s still feeling strong and if that continues to progress, then we think he’ll be a player for us.”

NHL.com staff writer Tom Gulitti and Editor-in-Chief Bill Price contributed to this report