Panthers captain Sasha Barkov speaks after Florida's 6-3 loss to Tampa Bay on April 27 Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov put up one heck of a performance on a night his team was looking to take a big step forward in the playoffs. Florida came into Monday’s Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning leading their best-of-7 series 3-1. Barkov, however, was coming off back-to-back-to-back scoreless outings, which is not what we’ve come to expect from the Finnish superstar center. Well, Barkov sure showed up in a big way for Florida in Game 5. He scored two goals and added an assist, leading the Cats to a 6-1 victory and a first round series win over their cross-state rivals from Tampa. “I think Sasha prepared for this right from the summer last year,” said Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice. “He came back to training camp faster, stronger, he’s hitting more than he ever has. He’s built himself now for the playoff game.” It was the first multi-goal playoff game of Barkov’s career, and it was also time he’d put up three-points in the postseason. As always, Barkov is quick to point to the team’s success when asked about his personal accomplishments. “Of course, it feels nice to score goals, but like I’ve said before, it doesn’t matter on our team who scores the goals,” Barkov said. “We have every player in our lineup who can do that. We all can do anything on the ice, that’s what makes us special.” On this night, when the Panthers put up six goals and eliminated a team that had beaten them twice in the playoffs, it was the captain whose stare was shining brightest. Barkov’s second period shorthanded goal was also the game-winner. For his career, it was his second playoff game-winning goal and his first shorty. It had his coach, and his teammates, raving about him after the game. Here is what some of them had to say. Paul Maurice: “It’s difficult to be an example to people who can’t do what you can do, but the hard things he does in the game, we can all do. We can all compete, shift on, shift out. He’s become a real fine leader for this team because he’s become more like everybody else, and then in saying that, he’s not like anybody else.” Carter Verhaeghe: “Barky’s our leader. He leads the way out there and we all follow him. He’s been unbelievable all year, and no different here in the playoffs. He comes up big, at big times, big goals, and he does everything right, every game. I think a lot of guys on our team try and emulate and try and be like him.” Matthew Tkachuk: “He was so good. He was so dominant; it was like a man playing against boys out there. It was very impressive.” Evan Rodrigues: “He was our leader all series. He led the way for us, and when he’s going, it gives everyone an extra boost. I can’t say enough good things about what he did this series. We’re gonna need that moving forward, and I’m looking forward to watching it.” Sergei Bobrovsky: “He’s been outstanding all my time here. He’s a true captain, he’s a quiet leader and he leads by example. It’s great to see him have success, and it’s no surprise. He’s an unbelievable player. I think he’s one of the best, for sure.” LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA The Hockey Show: Quizzing fans outside Amalie Arena on Panthers and Lightning history [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/the-hockey-show-quizzing-fans-outside-amalie-arena-on-panthers-and-lightning-history] Three takeaways: Panthers leaders show up in big game, Maurice line moves pay off [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-panthers-leaders-show-up-in-big-game-maurice-line-moves-pay-off] Panthers moving on, eliminating Tampa with 6-1 victory in Game 5 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-moving-on-eliminating-tampa-with-6-1-victory-in-game-5] Sergei Bobrovsky named finalist for 2024 Vezina Trophy [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/sergei-bobrovsky-named-finalist-for-2024-vezina-trophy] Back at home, Panthers look to close out series with Tampa Bay in Game 5 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/back-at-home-panthers-look-to-close-out-series-with-tampa-bay-in-game-5] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
