Top Six Minutes

Canadiens @ Panthers Top Six Minutes: Aleksander Barkov lights up the Habs

The Canadiens go winless on the three-game road trip, and a Finnish star was a big reason why.

Pre-Game:

The Panthers have an adorable sixth grader sing the national anthems for way too long.
Panthers pay tribute to victims of Parkland with moving video urging for gun control in honour of first anniversary of tragedy.
Families of victims join Shea Weber and Aleksander Barkov for ceremonial face-off.
(I’m not crying, you’re crying)
Niemi gets the start for the Habs, looking to sweep this series with the Panthers and bring his record to 3-0 this season versus his former team./

First Period:

Strong start, Habs win opening face-off and head into the offensive zone.
Max Domi first in the box with a high sticking minor.
But he hardly even gets to sit down, because Barkov was right there with his 20th of the season.
Wow, the Panthers offence looks great right now.
Niemi doesn't look so hot though, as he lets in a second (and later a third)
(Camera pans to Price)
Domi comes out looking to avenge the Panthers’ first goal.
Success!
Frank Vitrano with the Panthers’ third ends Niemi’s night early.
Gallagher cuts the lead to 3-2 and the Habs get a power play opportunity.
5-on-3 but Julien sits Danault, arguably his best face-off guy? C’mon man./

Second Period:

Montreal starts on the power play, looking for a comeback.
(Camera pans to salty looking Niemi)
Domi ties the game with his second of the night.
Career high goals scored for Domi, breaking his record of 18 from his rookie season.
Panthers with several solid chances in the second, but magic, wizardry and Carey Price keep them out.
Barkov gets his second of the night with the NASTIEST goal I’ve ever seen.
WOW
Montreal heads into the second intermission down one yet again./

Third Period:

Florida’s first line is very good, but Carey Price is not having it to start the third.
Scratch that.
It looks like he’s having it. 5-3 Panthers.
(Cue coach’s challenge)
And the call is actually reversed? 4-3 Panthers.
The Panthers look shaken after the reversal, but only momentarily, as Barkov gets his third of the night.
Hats! Hats! Hats!
The Panthers close out the night with an empty net goal to seal the deal on a 6-3 win./

Just wouldn’t be right to pick something other than this:

3) And they also forgot to schedule the Florida game. Very strange.

2) Always good to let the number one get a breather now and then

1) Only the most special kinds of discipline