• Powered by Roundtable
    David Dwork
    David Dwork
    Mar 5, 2024, 02:18

    You can bet Barkov's unbelievable assist will be making the rounds on the highlight reel

    You can bet Barkov's unbelievable assist will be making the rounds on the highlight reel

    Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is no stranger to making unbelievable, highlight reel plays.

    Monday night in New York City, just a couple blocks from Broadway, Barkov put on a show of skills that was worthy of a standing ovation and a curtain call.

    The play in question happened with Florida on the power play midway through the second period.

    Barkov was carrying the puck through the neutral zone with speed when he dished it off to Carter Verhaeghe for a quick give-and-go zone entry at the Rangers blue line.

    The first touch by Barkov after getting the puck back from Verhaeghe went straight up in the air, which may have caused most players to break stride and reevaluate their options, but not Barkov.

    Image

    He kept his momentum going toward the net, shortening his grip and tipping the puck further in the air, over the stick of Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller who was caught flat footed while Barkov worked his magic.

    Barkov then quickly got to the puck as it hit the ice, tapping it from his backhand to his forehand before sending a perfect, cross-ice pass to a streaking Sam Reinhart, and he did all this in one fluid motion.

    To his credit, Reinhart made no mistake after receiving the pass from Barkov, roofing the puck over a sprawling Igor Shesterkin.

    During the second intermission, Barkov spoke to Bally Sports Florida’s Katie Engelson about the amazing play.

    “Everything happened so quick,” Barkov said. “I just tried to make the best play possible at the time and thankfully Reino was there, as always, to finish it off. It wasn't planned, but it happened.”

    Watch a few videos of Barkov’s magic below: 

    LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

    Panthers visit Rangers in matchup of Eastern Conference contenders

    Brandon Montour returning to last season's form as Panthers sit atop NHL standings

    Three Takeaways: Penalty kill, goaltending key Panthers latest road win

    Florida shuts out Detroit for the second time this season

    Panthers kick off 3-game road trip with divisional matchup in Detroit

    Image