This is how Aleksander Barkov describes the biggest change in the Florida game – a clear statement from the NHL star about the war in Ukraine

Alexander Barkovin the skipper Florida continues to roast in the top three of the NHL. Only Colorado (89) and Carolina (87) have scored more points than Florida (86 p.). The same trio shone already last season, when the Panthers rose to a whole new level in the bucks league.

According to the captain, the biggest change has taken place in the players’ work ethic, which is much higher than before.

– We have always had a good team and a high level of skill. The biggest difference compared to the past is that everyone wants to win every switch and every game, Barkov says in Los Angeles.

Florida is currently the most dangerous team in the NHL. It has scored as many as 245 goals in 59 matches, more than four hits per match. The record for the series is in Edmonton for the 1983-84 season, when the Oilers produced 5.6 goals per game. In the 21st century, no team has broken the average of four goals.

This season, the Panthers ’fast-paced game and extensive offensive equipment have been too much for others. Barkov no longer has to carry the team on his shoulders every night, but the group has the power and depth. As many as ten Panthers players have scored at least 30 power points, compared to seven in Avalanch, for example.

Barkov’s balance in 46 matches is 26 + 34 = 60. Thanks to the hard pace of recent weeks, even the first hundred-point season of the career is possible for a Tampere resident, even though the games were missed during the autumn season.

The team’s scoreboard is fading Jonathan Huberdeau, which has forged 59 game powers of 18 + 65 = 83. The Canadian puck magician is second on the entire series on the Edmonton Stock Exchange Connor McDavidin (32 + 51 = 83).

Barkov notes that “it would be cool” if Huberdeau won the points exchange.

– Huberdeau’s skill level is quite insane, quite top notch. When the rest of us see situations quickly, he sees them slowly. That’s why he’s capable on ice of solutions that so many in this world can’t.

Barkov’s one-season Panthers record of 35 + 61 = 96 three years from now is probably in the hands of Huberdeau.

The duo has been stacking points at virtually the same pace in recent years. The pace has been strong by the standards of the entire bucks.

The former pair of radars are now playing in different chains, which helps explain the dangers of the Panthers. To help the duo on the solution front have rushed, for example Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, Anton Lundell and Sam Bennettnone of whom played for the Panthers in the second season.

The most recent attachment to the group is the Olympic winner Petteri Lindbohmwhich brings a physical addition to the defense.

Barkov does not comment on whether GM should Bill Ziton still trying to strengthen the bundle.

– This question is more for the manager. I play ice hockey. I like our team and I think we’re good enough to pursue a pitcher.

The NHL’s transfer limit is March 21, Finnish time next Monday.

Last season, Florida’s trip to the playoffs ended short when Tampa Bay was stronger with a 4-2 win. The Panthers clearly controlled events from time to time, but Lightning was more mature and eventually advanced to the second consecutive championship. Barkov was left in a cavity on both the team and personal levels. The captain scored one goal in six games and scored six goals, but the balance was eight points below freezing.

– We learn a lot from Tampa. They know how to win certain games, even if they are not at their best. They make winning stuff from one exchange to another. In addition, Tampa’s goalkeeping game has been in a tough category in recent seasons.

Finding out at least the first round in the spring would be a suitable intermediate goal for both the team and the No. 1 center, which has not yet been winning a series of matches in the playoffs. Barkov’s NHL career began in the fall of 2013, and he has accumulated 16 individual playoffs.

Now, perhaps Panthers ’biggest question mark is coaching. Andrew Brunette rose to primary responsibility in the fall when Joel Quenneville had to give up because of Chicago’s old sins. Quenneville won three Stanley Cups in the Blackhawks, but the success of the successor is far poorer.

So far, Brunette has excelled in her first season as head coach.

– He has more than a thousand NHL games and really great experience as a coach. He has taken over the job of head coach really well. Brunette is really player-friendly and always positive. Funny guy. He can also say if he doesn’t like something, Barkov describes.

In her career as a player, Brunette made the best progress to the conference finals 2002-03 with Minnesota. That spring, the Canadian finished the seventh game with an extra time goal for the Colorado goalkeeper Patrick Royn uranium.

The Panthers coaching team also includes Tuomo Ruutuwhich plays an important role in the development of players.

– He spins a lot with a flipchart and a computer in the locker room and shows players videos of what we do well and what we could do better. The screen is also responsible for our second superiority.

Barkov was born in Tampere on September 2, 1995, when his father Alexander senior played in Tappara. Son-Barkov has Finnish and Russian citizenship.

Barkov earnestly hopes that hostilities in Ukraine will end as soon as possible.

– Nobody wants a war at all. This is awful. No one is in favor of it, and it should end right away.