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Sports Media
The Aleksander Barkov disrespect is getting out of hand. First, he gets snubbed for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Let me be clear. The hockey world will not forget the run Connor McDavid made in 2024. However, he came up short. Giving him the award means it’s the first time in almost five decades that a skater from the losing team is named playoff MVP. Are we gonna forget that #97 went scoreless for the last two games of the series? That’s because the best two-way forward since Patrice Bergeron put on a clinic against him.
As if that wasn’t enough, the ESPN broadcast just rubbed salt in it. They completely missed the most dramatic part of the Stanley Cup ceremony. When Gary Bettman hands it off and the captain gets the first lift of it. Just check out this complete embarrassment:
I will come to bat for Sasha Barkov if no one else will. The Florida Panthers captain and former #2 pick is a lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame. This championship solidifies that and it’s very possible that more hardware will get into his locker.
You need to enjoy watching this guy play while you still can. He puts opposing players in a straight jacket while putting up nearly a point per game. If you look back in this site you will know he has been a fantasy stud for the Icing Daubert dynasty. But we are looking at quite literally a legend of the game in his prime. In 2013, he was picked right after Nathan MacKinnon. Obviously, #29 and his play speaks for itself, but having Sasha lying there is one of the best consolation prizes in recent draft history. Only Jack Eichel sitting right behind McDavid is a real comparison.
Outside of his stellar play, Barkov is truly one of the good guys in the sport. He has paid his dues in Florida and played on some really bad teams. Furthermore, he’s experienced some serious heartbreak as well. Remember when they were supposedly the team of destiny in 2022? Only for their bogeyman in Tampa to come in and break their hearts? Or last year when they went on a Cinderella run only to run into Vegas and get curb stomped? Sports shows us time and time again that you need to learn how to lose before you learn how to win. Jordan did it. Gretzky did it. Tom Brady is the only real exception but obviously we don’t need to go much further there. As soon as the series ended I really wanted to make a respect and appreciation post for #16 because he more than deserves it.
At 28, he already has a Lady Byng Trophy, two Selke Trophies, and a Stanley Cup. And has the best argument out of any Florida player to receiving that Conn Smythe Trophy. I wouldn’t be too upset if I were him because we obviously know he will have a lot of chances to win it again in the coming years. Again, I just want to say it now before everyone jumps on the bandwagon: he is one of those titans of the game and embodies the complete game needed in the modern NHL.
He does everything that people don’t see. As a result, it brings the tremendous success that everyone does see. Hockey IQ off the chart. Does not get moved off the puck at 6-foot-3 215 pounds. Can throw around some heavy hits but usually uses finesse and skill. As good a penalty killer and faceoff guy as you can find. A true servant leader that will do the exact same that he asks his teammates to do.
He is the last Panther to ever wear #16. If you love hockey you should love the way he plays. As an Islanders fan I am obviously happy for Kyle Okposo. He is one of the guys that made me fall in love with hockey and it’s awesome to see him lift the cup. However, I am so happy for Sasha because the mainstream has not given him the respect he deserves. Maybe now they can finally change their tune!
Congrats to the Panthers and their true fans. They had to wait a long time and suffer through a lot over the years. This triumph is well-deserved and special kudos goes to their captain.
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