The Florida Panthers are headed to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Remaining. They smoked the Carolina Hurricanes within the Jap Convention Remaining to defend their convention title. Aleksander Barkov made one of many key offensive performs for the Panthers within the clinching sport. Then on Monday, Barkov defended one other title, successful his second straight Selke Trophy as the highest defensive ahead.
Barkov additionally received the Selke in 2021 and has three different top-five finishes. All through his Panthers profession, he has been one of many elite two-way gamers within the league. That was highlighted within the 2021-22 season, when he scored 39 targets and completed third in Selke voting. And that has been on show within the playoffs for the final three seasons.
Barkov blew out Panthers teammate Sam Reinhart for the Selke Trophy. Third in voting was Lightning ahead Anthony Cirelli, who has additionally proven his 200-foot prowess on the most important levels. Some notable names down the board are Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner, who provides a seventh-place end to his resume earlier than free company, and Golden Knights heart Jack Eichel.
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The Panthers are a dominant playoff staff as a result of they’re sturdy on each side of the ice. Sergei Bobrovsky has been spectacular prior to now three postseasons, and Paul Maurice’s defensive schemes are sturdy. That leaves it open for the Panthers forwards to leap on free pucks and dominate within the offensive zone. Barkov is part of each side and a giant purpose they’ve made it this far once more.
Along with his defensive specialties, Barkov has scored 20 targets in ten consecutive seasons. He can be 30 years previous on opening evening subsequent yr and simply 14 targets away from 300 in his profession. With one other Stanley Cup this month, Barkov may cement his Corridor of Fame legacy earlier than turning 30.
Sport 1 of the Stanley Cup Remaining is Wednesday evening.