Florida Panthers: Barkov and Huberdeau are each Playing at a 100-Point Pace

With your Florida Panthers currently sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division, the contributions by superstars Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov must not be overlooked.

Both stars are no longer being viewed as underrated players, receiving league-wide recognition as superstar caliber players by each performing at a 100-point pace.

The 2018-19 season was an incredibly memorable one for both Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, becoming the first duo to each reach 90+ points in a single season in the history of the Florida Panthers. The dynamic duo of Barkov and Huberdeau combined for almost 200 points on the season, serving as the main catalysts for an unsuccessful playoff push.

In regards to Barkov’s 2019 campaign, the captain set the single-season franchise record for the most points in a season with 96 – broke Pavel Bure’s record of 94. Moreover, he also won the Lady Byng award, committing only eight penalty minutes throughout the year.

Furthermore, Barkov was exceptional on the defensive end, registering more takeaways (100) than giveaways (69). As well, he recorded a fantastic faceoff winning percentage of roughly 54%, winning over 1000 draws while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game.

While Barkov received the majority of the attention from the NHL media and Panthers fans, another superstar was quietly developing in the wings: Jonathan Huberdeau. The longtime linemate of Barkov produced some remarkable numbers, developing into an undisputed superstar winger for the Cats.

While participating in all 82 regular-season games, Huberdeau recorded a spectacular line of 30 goals and 62 assists for 92 total points. In fact, Huberdeau set the single-season franchise record for the most assists in a season with 62 – one more than Barkov’s 61 assists.

Two of the longest-tenured members of the Florida Panthers had developed near-perfect chemistry on the top line, forming a dominant first line with fellow Russian linemate Evgenii Dadonov. However, despite nearly reaching 100 points each during the 2018-19 season, the Florida Panthers had missed the playoffs, which can largely be attributed to poor coaching.

Currently, with the leadership of future hall of fame head coach Joel Quenneville, star forwards Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau are seemingly developing into 100-point caliber players. The contributions of Huby and Barky have also resulted in team success, helping the Panthers obtain the second seed in the Atlantic Division in late November.

The native of Finland has recorded a phenomenal offensive slash line of 7 goals and 22 assists for 29 total points on the year. While Barkov is on pace for less than 30 goals, he is also on pace for more than 80 assists on the season, which would shatter Huberdeau’s previous record of 62.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has been tremendous on the defensive end, as well. While averaging roughly 20 minutes of ice time per game, Barkov has recorded more takeaways (15) than giveaways (10) and a faceoff winning percentage of roughly 54%. Barkov is certainly on pace for almost 110 points, and will likely earn a spot on the Atlantic Division All-Star roster for 2020.

On the other hand, the native of Quebec, Canada has already registered a potent tally of 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points in only 21 games played. More impressively, all 10 of Huberdeau’s goals have come on even strength. The former Calder Trophy winner is currently on pace for almost 110 points, and should certainly make the Atlantic Division All-Star roster, as well.

Essentially, the team success of the Florida Panthers can largely be attributed to the absurd starts of Huberdeau and Barkov. Basically, both stars are playing at a 100-point pace, receiving praise as a top-five duo across the NHL by media and fans.

If both Huby and Barky continue their play, then both stars will likely represent the Panthers at the 2020 All-Star Game.

More importantly, with Barkov and Huberdeau performing at insane rates, the Florida Panthers will likely clinch a playoff berth and contend for the Stanley Cup during the playoff season in April.