When asked postgame if there was an update on Barkov, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice delivered a simple, one-word response: “Nope.” Meanwhile, Bennett addressed the incident after the game, making his feelings toward Tampa Bay crystal clear.

Florida marched on to beat Tampa Bay after Barkov left with an injury, but is now faced with the uncertainty of his status moving forward.

Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky recorded a 19-save shutout, and Florida now holds a 2-0 lead in a heated Battle of Florida as the series shifts to Sunrise. The Panthers struck early when Nate Schmidt scored 4:15 into the first period off a feed from Sam Reinhart.