3 takeaways from Panthers taking 2-0 lead over Hurricanes: Tkachuk plays hero again

2. Aleksander Barkov raises the bar for Panthers

The debate for which tally will be remembered as the “Goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs” is typically subjective, but 2023 might be an exception, thanks to Aleksander Barkov. The winger pulled off an impressive between-the-legs tally to even the score at 7:43 of the second period.

The goal was so unique it earned the title of “One of the greatest moves I’ve ever seen” from Wayne Gretzky.

“Well, I’m pretty sure he’s scored bigger goals.” Barkov told Sportsnet in response. “But yeah, it means a lot coming from him, so it’s nice to hear, for sure.”

For Carolina, this was, as Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper brilliantly articulated, a case of their risky man-man coverage being burned by Florida’s forecheck. Jesper Fast, amid an exhausting 90-second shift, was outmuscled by Barkov, who moved the puck to Mahura at the point before cutting to the middle untouched, receiving the pass, and working his magic.

“He’s the least showboating player I’ve ever coached,” Maurice told Sportsnet. “He pulled that move because that was the only move that was going to work.”