Before we get started, let's not lose sight of what Aleksander Barkov did Monday night to win the shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins:



For a 19-year-old to win the game with such a move against one of the hottest goaltenders in the NHL is remarkable. The second overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft obviously has good size and incredible skill, which should only improve as time goes on.

But...

...what is going on with him this season?

After a successful rookie campaign that was shortened by a knee injury at the Olympics, Barkov has hardly been the player we expected to see this season.

Last year he had 8 goals and 16 assists in 54 games and was a respectable -3 on a bad team. It was said after he was drafted he brings a very polished two-way game that was NHL-ready. While it was disappointing to see him go down for the year in February due to injury, his great vision, speed, and skating lived up to the hype.

There is no rhyme or reason for it, but sometimes once a player starts getting injured they can't stop that train from rolling(see Scottie Upshall). Sadly this has been the case for Barkov, who has already missed 9 of the 32 games played this season. Whether it's head coach Gerard Gallant's system, lack of confidence, or some other nagging injury Barkov is just not performing like he did last year.

His 2 goals and 3 assists this season are very poor for a player with his skill set. When a player is solid in their two-way game sometimes that is just as valuable as good offense while they work through a slump. But Barkov is also a -4 for the season, which is third worst on the team.

While the shootout goal above might prove to be one of the more important goals of his career and this season if the Panthers' positive momentum continues, more production must be had from Barkov sooner than later.

An effective Barkov makes a lot of these one-goal games the Panthers are seemingly always playing into two-goal games. While the Panthers are hardening themselves for tight, playoff hockey, an easy win from time to time would be nice.

Jimmy Hayes has played in one more game than Barkov this year. He has 9 goals, 6 assists, and is second on the team at +5. The reason he hasn't played more is because the Panthers have a lot of depth, but also because of motivation. Gallant has said on multiple occasions that a player like Hayes is truly effective when he is constantly moving his feet and playing a north-south game. When he has been a little complacent or inconsistent, Gallant has scratched him a few times to "wake him up." He's responded in a big way every time. While he is bigger and taller than Barkov, it seems that Barkov must learn the same mantra will also serve him well.

There is a vast difference in style between the two, as Hayes is definitely a shoot-first player while Barkov is more finesse and looks to pass. However, that does not take away from the fact that Barkov has a terrific wrist shot and a bomb of a slapper. He simply must utilize those more. As Denis Potvin likes to say the best pass in hockey is a rebound. The Panthers are their worst when they are trying to be cute with the play by over-passing. A team-wide, shoot first mentality has been where they have thrived.

While Barkov was a bit of a man-child in Finland playing with grown men at 16 years old, there was also a lot of east-west in his game on larger rinks that won't work as well in the NHL. He has the size to take and deliver punishment while converting his game into a more aggressive style, but the numbers are showing that he is unwilling to be consistent with that style of play at this point in his career.

Look. He's 19. He likely has another 20-25 lbs. to add to his frame as he continues to gain valuable NHL experience. There is a definite difference in style of play and maturity between Barkov and 22-year-old Nick Bjugstad, who is tied for the team lead in scoring. But Bjugstad has been playing the North American game his entire life. It just may take some time for Barkov to be the complete player many expect.

But for now, the Panthers need him to be at least the player he was last year. The Panthers are turning the corner. While still early, Florida is in the playoff hunt. They will need to stay healthy of course, but just as importantly they need the players with offensive specialty to be playing their best down the stretch. To this point this year, Barkov has been nothing more than a role player. That is simply not enough, especially as a top draft pick and what he showed last year.

Jonathan Huberdeau knows the pain and frustration of a sophomore slump. Last year was one of the worst seasons of his hockey life. As of now, Barkov is on pace for the same type of season. There is no question the Panthers are a better team from top to bottom than they were a year ago, but Barkov rising to the occasion when they need him most could make this team very dangerous.

But the question is...will he? Is too much being expected of him too early? As always, thanks for reading, and I look forward to your comments.

Dan Spiegel...
Florida Panthers Media

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