Islanders' Mayfield ejected for kneeing Panthers' Barkov

New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield was tossed from Tuesday night's game for kneeing Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.

The officials handed Mayfield a major penalty and game misconduct after he caught Barkov leg-on-leg early in the second period.

Barkov went to the dressing room after being helped off the ice. The Panthers later announced he wouldn't return to the contest due to a lower-body injury.

Panthers interim head coach Andrew Brunette didn't provide an update on Barkov after Florida's 6-1 win, saying the 26-year-old center would be re-evaluated Wednesday.

Barkov entered Tuesday's contest leading the Panthers in goals and points. He collected an assist on Florida's first goal of the game.