Florida Panthers: Barkov is Divine; But What Else is New?

In last night’s hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens, forward Aleksander Barkov shocked the hockey world with his outstanding goal.

In case you missed the game or decided not to watch it, the Florida Panthers went on to win comfortably against the Canadiens by a score of 6-3.

Their captain, “Lord Aleksander Barkov” as I like to call him, was nothing short of mesmerizing. He capped off the night with four points (3G & 1A), recording his second career hat trick to date.

Barkov got the Cats on the board three minutes into the opening frame, sliding the puck between Niemi’s five-hole for his 20th of the season.

The Panthers regained their two-goal lead through Frank Vatrano’s 20th of the season, and of course, Barkov had a say in the goal.

Barkov and Huberdeau were cycling the puck along the corner. Barkov smoothly dug the puck out and fed a pass to Vatrano who was open in the slot and eventually fired home. At that point in the game, Barkov already had two points next to his name.

The Habs led a comeback through goals from Gallagher and Domi, but it was Barkov who picked up his team and propelled them all the way to victory.

His second goal, which was not only highlight reel but something that will absolutely be nominated for goal of the season, couldn’t have come at a better time.

As Barkov broke down the ice with steam, Habs defenseman Victor Mete was on his tail, trying to catch the Finnish superstar in his tracks.

Once Barkov reached Carey Price’s cage, he put the puck between his legs and roofed it top shelf for what fans would call a “mind-blowing goal.” Needless to say, Panther fans and hockey fans alike were stunned.

Think he was done there? Think again! Barkov is a winner and part of being a winner is adding insurance to a narrow lead. Without even needing to think for a second, Barkov sealed the coffin.

Coming down on a 2-on-1 with his partner in crime, Barkov tried feeding a pass to Huberdeau who was on the other side, but the puck hit Jeff Petry’s stick and redirected back onto Barkov’s stick.

As soon as the puck hit Barkov’s tape, he quickly slotted the puck into the empty cage, recording his second hat trick of the season and of his NHL career.

This type of play is just Barkov gently scratching the surface with his skillset, and with better ice management from his coach, Barkov could showcase more performances like these.

Ultimately, it’s been quite a rough season for the Cats, but when Barkov is able to play like he did last night, these moments are ones that we cherish and never forget.

Hopefully, for the sake of his career and the entire organization, the Panthers can strengthen their roster over the summer and provide their captain with the necessary tools to be successful.

Because in the end, Barkov is only young once and the Panthers have him locked up on one of the league’s best deals that can give themselves the financial leeway to pursue alternative options.

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