No Draisaitl suspension coming for Oilers superstar’s hit on Barkov

That noise you are hearing from Edmonton Oilers fans this afternoon is a sigh of relief, because Leon Draisaitl has escaped suspension.

The NHL announced that Oilers forward Sam Carrick has been fined for a below-the-belt slash. That’s the only supplemental discipline that will be coming from Monday night’s game, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Draisaitl won’t miss any action for his hit to the head of Aleksander Barkov in Game 2, which sent the Florida Panthers star centre to the dressing room. Many speculated that Draisaitl would likely receive a suspension if Barkov had to miss games. Perhaps today’s decision is an indication that Barkov will indeed suit up in Game 3.

The series now shifts to Edmonton, with the Panthers holding a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Oilers will be desperate for a win on Thursday.

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