Panthers' Barkov on his Cup Final performance: ‘I could be better, for sure'

Miami Herald

10 hours ago

It's well established that Aleksander Barkov's value extends beyond offense. It's why he has won the Selke Trophy given to the NHL's best defensive forward each of the past two years and three times total throughout his career.
But at this stage of the season, in the midst of the Stanley Cup Final, the expectation is for the Florida Panthers' captain to produce more on that end of the ice than he has so far in the biggest games of the season.
Entering Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, with the series tied 2-2, Barkov has just two points in the Cup Final — both assists that came on the power play in Florida's Game 4 overtime loss on Thursday. He has just 10 total shots on goal through the four games.
Obviously, there is more to Barkov's responsibilities in the series, particularly trying to maintain and limit Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but Barkov said that's no excuse for where his production on the other end of the ice stands.
'It's tough to say,' Barkov said. 'Obviously, you need to know, those two guys and where they are on the ice. Of course you're trying to have your head on a swivel, but I think I could be better, for sure.'
For his part, Barkov has done well against McDavid in the series. They have been on the ice against each other for 38:10 over the first four games. While Edmonton holds the advantage in shot attempts (50-41) and shots on goal (30-14) when McDaivd is on the ice against Barkov, each team only has one goal in that stretch and Florida actually has the lead in scoring chances (23-19).
Now the Panthers have held their own offensively even without Barkov producing. They have scored 18 goals through the first four games against the Oilers, with 10 players finding the back of the net at least once. Their depth is one of their strengths that has carried them all postseason.
But with the series down to a best-of-3, it's all hands on deck.
'I think we're very, very well experienced,' said Barkov, who has 19 points total (six goals, 13 assists) this postseason. 'We know how it needs to be done. But yeah everyone needs to bring their best to the next game.'
Pickard in net
After replacing Stuart Skinner in the second period of Game 4, Calvin Pickard will start in net for the Oilers in Game 5.
Pickard stopped 22 of 23 shots he faced on Thursday, with the only goal he gave up coming to Sam Reinhart with 19.5 seconds left to send the game to overtime.
'It's exciting,' Pickard said of getting the nod. 'A good opportunity for me. It feels like another game for me. ... The building's going to be electric.'
Pickard enters Saturday with a perfect 7-0 record, 2.69 goals against average and .896 save percentage in nine games this postseason.
He said it
'This has been a pretty incredible one. I think this is one of the tightest series anyone will ever see. Most exciting just the talent level and how close these two teams are, how back and forth the games have been. It's been very exciting, a little nerve wracking at times, but we're all big fans of the game still. And to have these two teams playing each other and playing the way they are and games playing out the way that they have, it makes it makes you realize why you love the game so much. But also why this trophy is the hardest to win. I mean, when you see the way these things play out, it's why it's so special to be part of these opportunities. You know you know what's going to happen.' - Panthers veteran forward Brad Marchand on the Stanley Cup Final series with Edmonton