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Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
Barkov and Tkachuk almost never play together 5 on 5, but on the PP they were usually together, and it's a pretty good PP.
Barkov had a tough year. He was injured off and on throughout the year and struggled to produce offensively, but still managed 78 points in 68 games, so it's not like he was bad or anything. Still incredibly strong defensively and handles a heavy workload on that end because the rest of the team is fairly mediocre on defense, and over a point per game offensively. My one critique is that he's shied away from contact a little too much this year, but that's probably protecting an injury that he's still nursing.
I think I'd like to see more passion and emotion from Barkov at times to really lead this team, but he does everything else you want from a player. The narrative that he isn't that good that seems to be surfacing is ####ing laughable and comes from the usual suspects that love to #### on the Panthers.
Huberdeau will be a lot better next year, especially if they get a powerplay that actually works. I'd love to see a full healthy season from Barkov just to see how good he could really be when not nursing an injury. Both players are in the highest tier in the NHL.
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I've been fairly critical of Barkov this year, I think between the off ice stuff, his injuries and the big changes during last summer have taken a toll. Still doesn't mean he isn't elite and what makes him elite is consistency (and why I don't put e.g. Huberdeau in the same tier as him because he can go MIA for a month). I can't remember the last time Barkov had a bad game, it almost never happens. It's always between good to great. But this is also where my criticism towards him comes from, there have been far fewer "great" games from him this year than normal and in the playoffs he hasn't reached that level at all imo.
Now there is something to be said about who they are going up against so his lack of production isn't that surprising but this has more or less become a trend from him in the playoffs, only 6 goals in 30 games throughout his career. I really hoped he would elevate his game this year but looks like he can't do it. But yes, still an elite player. My expectations are just super high for him so therefore the critique.