Paging Sasha Barkov

[Nikolajs Sillers]

Well out of Matthews and Barkov, Matthews is the only player to have actually disappeared from the playoffs.

Since you know, Barkov and the panthers disappeared them.

Was also Tampa in the way?

 

[behemolari]

Ironic thing is fans posting these things, advanced stats saying he was actually good. But then when the convo switches to Matthews none of those things mattered he actually secretly sucks despite the stats saying he is also elite defensively.

The funny thing is, despite Barkov playing in the finals right now and Matthews being out in 5 games of round 2, Matthews still has more goals than Barkov and only 3 less points. Yet Matthews is the big choker.

The real question is why is conversation switched to Matthews, he sucks and Toronto is garbage.

 

[HockeyVirus]

Barkov helped shut him down in round 2,
which was his main focus.

Panthers weren’t going to try and trade chances with the Leafs.

Or did Matthews shut down Barkov?

 

[Hockeyholic]

Barkov will score at least two goals tonight

 

[Pablo El Perro]

What is it, 1999?

 

[Icebreakers]

Winning solves everything. If the Leafs won the cup Matthews would get no criticism even if he had 0 goals.

 

[I Hate Blake Coleman]

He's better than Matthews defensively so odd comparison.

Matthews is no slouch and he still produces

 

[Bobby Orrtuzzo]

There he is

 

[baabaa]

Winning solves everything. If the Leafs won the cup Matthews would get no criticism even if he had 0 goals.

Well Barkov is going to have as many cups as Matthews this year.

 

[D1az]

Though one. Probably would need a bit of a switch of linemates, as last game proved, but will of course take strength from other lines.
Could perhaps also be a bit more selfish with the chances.

 

[Chet Manley]

I haven't been watching, but Vegas sure made a lot of good Oilers and Jets look mediocre at offence.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Barkov was a beast last game but man you kinda wish he would take it to the net he had multiple 1 on 1s with Dmen and just didn't challenge them inside and went for a long shot and faceoff but he always wins the draw so maybe the long shot and draw is actually a better play

 

[FinlandPanther]

Ironic thing is fans posting these things, advanced stats saying he was actually good. But then when the convo switches to Matthews none of those things mattered he actually secretly sucks despite the stats saying he is also elite defensively.

The funny thing is, despite Barkov playing in the finals right now and Matthews being out in 5 games of round 2, Matthews still has more goals than Barkov and only 3 less points. Yet Matthews is the big choker.

Matthews isn’t elite defensively lmao. Just Becuase you keep crying and screaming at the top of your lungs doesn’t make it true. And this thread isn’t about Matthews. Like it’s ok Florida dumpstered you in the playoffs. It’ll be ok. Vegas is doing the same to us. You’ll make it.

 

[baabaa]

Barkov was a beast last game but man you kinda wish he would take it to the net he had multiple 1 on 1s with Dmen and just didn't challenge them inside and went for a long shot and faceoff but he always wins the draw so maybe the long shot and draw is actually a better play

That's Barkov. He rarely challenges anyone, but instead always does the safe thing. Might be good enough in the regular season or even in the playoffs when having a comfortable lead, but now when Florida is f***ed and will have to give it 100% if they want to survive, then he's not the guy you want to lead your team.

Or maybe he'll surprise me and start being a bit more aggressive and unpredictable. I mean he's got nothing to lose right now. Florida ain't gonna win 3 in a row by being passive and safe.

 

[HockeyVirus]

Matthews isn’t elite defensively lmao. Just Becuase you keep crying and screaming at the top of your lungs doesn’t make it true. And this thread isn’t about Matthews. Like it’s ok Florida dumpstered you in the playoffs. It’ll be ok. Vegas is doing the same to us. You’ll make it.

Yes he is but people ignore blatant stats because it doesn't fit their agenda. And the thread was about Matthews when the first several posts mentioned him

 

[Melrose Munch]

This guy didn't called out enough in my opinion.

 

[Oddbob]

Dylan Larkin only has 5 playoff games in his career!


Incoming he will play 22 or more next season!

Did I do it right?

 

[BattleBorn]

Dylan Larkin only has 5 playoff games in his career!


Incoming he will play 22 or more next season!

Did I do it right?

Math checks out.

 

[IceManCat]

Barkov was a beast last game but man you kinda wish he would take it to the net he had multiple 1 on 1s with Dmen and just didn't challenge them inside and went for a long shot and faceoff but he always wins the draw so maybe the long shot and draw is actually a better play

This right here. He just doesnt take it to the net. Instead backs off from the paint and looks to dish out to a winger or incoming d-man. I was at the game 3 and he several open looks just u-turned and backed right off of the net despite being 6'3 and an elite puck protector.

 

[BHawk21]

He does need to produce more for them to win. Being great defensively isnt enough right now.

Like Toews in 2013 he was getting flamed for not producing enough but playing good D. Toews eventually produced big in the later half of each series they won on the way to the cup. Barkov needs to score if they are going to win.

 

[I am not exposed]

He actually looked more dominant and forceful than he normally does in the last game. He was shooting more. And of course he scored a goal.

Wish he would be more assertive. But he's been in the league for almost 10 years, so can't see him changing that much overall. Talented but also a very frustrating player to watch sometimes.

 

[jcs0218]

Barkov being good defensively and creating chances all mean absolutely nothing when the top centres on the opposing team are out-producing him.

Besides, how can anyone even argue that he has been playing great defensively when he is getting outscored by Eichel and Stephenson?

Seems like they are playing better defense against Barkov than the other way around.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Why is Barkov captain? Guy doesn't even know how to spell 'intense', he's just another Huberdeau

 

[BKarchitect]

I’ve been carrying Barkov’s water a bit but yeah, it’s hard to say he’s brought it at the highest level when the going gets the toughest.

Still a great player, still a top ten center IMO…but a clear step behind the best of the best until his intensity and hunger to score hits another level.

This is clearly Tkachuk’s team, whether or not he has the ‘C’. When he’s not out there…

 

[BKarchitect]

Besides, how can anyone even argue that he has been playing great defensively when he is getting outscored by Eichel and Stephenson?

Seems like they are playing better defense against Barkov than the other way around.

Eichel has been flat out better head to head. Clear difference. Not saying I’d take Eichel over Barkov over 82 regular season games but Jack clearly was on a mission this off-season. He’s got a two-way level and intensity I wasn’t sure he had in him. A command performance all post-season - one not defined by gaudy stats (although clearly very, very good) but more by a commitment level in all phases.

Hopefully Barkov has that lever in him at some point…