Sasha Barkov 'ready to roll' for Game 4 of Eastern Conference Final

Barkov left Game 3 during the first period with a lower-body injury and did not return

The Florida Panthers will have their captain for the biggest game the franchise has seen in three decades.

Aleksander Barkov left Game 3 with about seven minutes left in the first period after suffering a lower-body injury.

Barkov was checked along the boards by Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Drury. It was a seemingly harmless, light hit that didn't come with a lot of contact.

Nevertheless, something wasn't right with Barkov afterwards and he was seen walking slowly to the locker room, never to return.

The following morning, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said he was "optimistic" about Barkov possibly playing in Game 4.

“Good news, it was as much precautionary as anything," he said Tuesday. "We had to rule out anything sinister, so we’re very optimistic that he’ll return soon and when he does, he’ll be ready to go."

That brings us to Wednesday morning, where Barkov was on the ice for Florida's optional morning skate.

He was wearing a white jersey (as opposed to a non-contact jersey that some injured players will skate with) and was a full participant.

Afterwards, the good news was confirmed.

"He's ready to roll," Maurice told the pregame media.

That's a big sigh of relief for the Panthers as they try to complete the first postseason sweep in franchise history and reach the Stanley Cup Final all in one fell swoop.

The puck drops on Game 4 at 8 p.m.