Why Aleksander Barkov is the Best 2-Way Forward in Hockey

Heres an intangibles hockey style breakdown of the details to why Aleksander Barkov is one of the best overall forwards in the game today. He is the complete player. He has a great athletic skillset paired with an even greater hockey IQ. He plays at an extremely high pace in both directions, always skating, keeping momentum, working back above the puck and supporting his defense.
With good positioning, momentum and timing he finds his way into soft areas and offensive opportunity. But he doesn't sit around waiting for pucks to come to him - he CREATES opportunity by skating with the puck, and attacking the net.
Lets take a look at some of the things he does well?
#hockeyiq #intangibleshockey #hockeysense #hockeydevelopment #stanleycupfinals

[@Jaageful]

Really good clip to showcase what Barkov is all about. Also he has mental ability, focus and composure that helps every aspect of the game. And everybody in the team respects him.

[@elenalexey]

Barkov is more than just a good player, he is a captain and a team maker.

[@tapio_m6861]

Other teams should be scared, because his calm mentality and working the entire ice starts to rub on his teammates, and if you have five guys constantly on the ice doing that, you are in trouble!

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

@@tapio_m6861 If you saw in game three how Lundell throw th puck from the own blue line, and Skinner went behind the goal and Luostarinen was just in the right time there picked it up and passes to Tarasenko on the front of the goal. Tarasenko is a veteran playing with these two “rookies”, but the Panthers seems to pick up the best players on the market. Of course Barkov’s Dad is scouting for them in Finland.

[@krazyFlipy]

Yup. He is just about my favorite human right now :D Seems to be one of the few top players who knows how to concentrate on the game and forget all BS. Personal integrity; great role model for all young men, on or off the ice. Massive respect! Can't wait to see him in the blue-and-white of the national team...We The People of Suomi-Finland demand the Olympic gold - nothing else will do :D

[@sharkusvelarde]

The Stanley Cup is his priority, harder to win than a Gold.

[@krazyFlipy]

​@@sharkusvelarde Of course. :) No argument.

[@legelin8730]

Yes he is a great ice hockey player but you shouldnt idolize him too much

[@sharkusvelarde]

@@legelin8730 Or anyone for that matter, look at all the Trump bullshit as an example

[@krazyFlipy]

@@legelin8730 :D Don't worry about it. :)

[@breakaway2x]

Everyone was shocked when Barkov was chosen 2nd overall in 2013 after MacKinnon went 1st. Everyone expected Seth Jones 2nd and Drouin 3rd, but Dale Tallon comes out of nowhere and chooses Barkov 2nd and everyone thought he was nutso. Well, it turns out Tallon was probably the smartest man. Barkov has turned out to be one of the best if not the best player in the NHL because it's not all about goals and point totals but the intangibles and that's what Selke players do.

[@EiraAimo]

I love how commentators say on draft "Im not saying Barkov won't be a player, because he has the potential to be very solid player, but to pass Seth Jones..." and "I think this pick will be questioned for few years until Barkov can prove he is home run player". Meanwhile Barkov: "Hold my Selke's"

[@breakaway2x]

@@EiraAimo haha exactly...Mcguire has said a lot of wrong things like that!

[@Deadono]

As a Chicago fan, I hate how bad Seth Jones has been playing lately. But Barkov, man, what a complete player.

[@terrylyn]

I followed Barkov in Finnish Liiga and thought he should go #2 for sure. Panthers did their scouting right and now they have their first cup. Funny how it goes.

[@roaring_angels]

MCDAVID AND DRAI VS BARKOV THE NHL MARKETING DEPARTMENT IN SHAMBLES WITH THE RESULTS. BARKOV IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.

[@premiumnapping5627]

You 🫵🏼 know puck

[@leeham6230]

In reality, Bobrovsky is carrying the Panthers on his shoulders. Robbed 2 games so far.

[@roaring_angels]

@@leeham6230 nice security blanket of excuses. Panthers had to beat Swayman and Shisterkin who were head and shoulders above Bob. Winners find a way.

[@olavivulkko]

@@leeham6230 Bob is good, but not that good, it's team game.

[@leeham6230]

@@olavivulkko He's stopping McDavid on solid chances with ease. Bobs is better than any other goaltender this playoffs.

[@stidudiiduri]

McDavid and Draisaitl combined goal total of 0. Barkov has eaten both of them alive.

[@schustererik83]

hes also outscoring them both in the series

[@davidjohnson-fw5co]

he did the same with Tampa's best player and the Rangers top scorer . No surprise with Edmonton.

[@Gek1177]

Yeah? Well Draisaitl made Barkov eat a flying elbow.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

​@Gek1177 You celebrating a cheap shot, how weak is that. Well Barkov, got payback where it counts, on the scoreboard slick. So suck on that loser.

[@gerbyntiikeri]

@@Gek1177ya draisaitl is a bum

[@shaman2384]

That's a good breakdown. You are right not many would ever see things like this.

[@juhawallden8630]

Thanks for the vid! Finally someone really digging in to Barky's greatness, which doesn't always show up on the stat-sheet. His ability to seamlessly turn his momentum form offence to defence is what really sets him apart. His imprint is all over the rink. Breakaways are far and apart against the Panthers, and when he is on the ice, they usually just don't happen. Or 2-to-1s and 3-to-2s. He certainly has the skills to be a 100+ pts/season scorer, but he never, ever "cheats" on the expence of good d. And the whole team truly has bought into that.

[@intangibleshockey]

Well said and 100% Agree. Barkov is a great role model for young players to learn from because he's plays the right way! Thanks for the comment

[@juhawallden8630]

SORRY!!! I'm sorry!!! .. 😱😣 see how I jinxed it all for game 4? I will shut up now! 🤫 .... Or maybe I should start complementing the Oiler's super-energetic offence ...🤔🤔😏😏

[@willpanter209]

Looks solid. That’s our captain baby. One more to have him immortalized

[@user-fp9wl3me5x]

Barkov's game is the result of having always truly put his team first.

[@wizarbyt]

Good video McDavid or Kucherov for example are usually thinking only offence and do not really support defence and block shots and Barkov never stops working. He does everything he has to for the win and also mentors his teammates. And look at that dudes stick. He is so skilled with his stick defensively. Blocks passes and steals the puck so well.

[@EdgeHead927]

Barkov is the best all around player in the game. As Defense and Offense are both elite. To say he is the best overall even though he has masterfully shut down McDavid and company… yeah I can’t say in any regard that he is the best overall. McDavids speed, skill and ludicrous production still put him as the best player in the game. Barkov hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves until very recently. Great to see a spotlight shone on a player who would be more popular and recognized if he played in a bigger market. Barkov is an absolute stud and glad to see more are recognizing his greatness

[@troysims2753]

The best players win Stanley Cups! Sid, Nathan, and soon Barky will join them! McDavid must slay the dragon and win a cup to join the greats!

[@thenextpoetician6328]

A player that can shut down the best is better than them. He's surely the most complete player, and an exemplary leader. My 2 watts.

[@Jcool721]

Thanks, awesome video! Great showcase about good skating and keeping the momentum for him but also the whole team. Outstanding playing. :-)

[@zakk3153]

Datsyuk with size.

[@kftc1980]

Also comparable to Federov, and Kopitar. Maybe a blend of all three.

[@leerotten]

Bark was for long while underrated and it it true, he honed his game from year to year. Hockey IQ is high as it gets and way he sees the ice is off the charts.

[@mikedelgado5144]

THANK you for the video. These are the things we don't see because Hockey is so fast. Helps us understand why Panthers are up 3-1 against a great team... Edmonton

[@meke7777]

3-0

[@tkyntola]

He's still underated, even with the borderlinbe unanimous Selke, it's just the amount good things that come their way because of decision and actions that he does is just borderline magic. He's not as flashy as some, but modern play is so much more about the aspects of his play mentioned in this video!

[@davidjohnson-fw5co]

He's the best two way player in the league . Kind of a Finish Bob Gainey . Gainey was noted as the best hockey player in the league back then . The same could be said for Barkov.

[@bted]

As a NJ Devil fan, I'm hoping Hischier becomes the next Barkov.

[@amsf1]

Definition of complete

[@tarvoro]

Could you make a new video about Barkov showing clips from the finals where he shuts down key players of Edmonton and makes other incredible plays? Great video btw!

[@Clovermusicc]

Dude is the definition of a leader

[@janihukkanen1600]

Great vid, bro!

[@rafaeloliva6425]

This is a tough call, Barki or Bob. What a fantastic delema to have. Sweeeeep...... Go Cats!

[@user-fp9wl3me5x]

Go Cats!!

[@Rorschachqp]

Barkov + Bobrovsky > McDavid + Draisaitl, both in the playoffs and cap hit. Also, you look at Tkachuk's cap and ability vs. Nurse's, there's a clear difference in team build.

[@haroldstauffer7373]

Love the video could you do one for Kucherov play making

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

Conn Smythe

[@nervanderi]

Tai Bobille. Jompsin kumpsin.

[@Kariakas]

Probably goes to Bob.

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

@@Kariakas Sasha leads with approximately 400 votes

[@jaceking5938]

​@jukkao.parviainen8669 since when are there real-time conn scythe votes?

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

@@jaceking5938 Insider information

[@imulippo5245]

Imagine line-up with Barkov as center, McDavid and MacKinnon on wings without the need to defend, Josi and Fox on defense and Shesterkin at goal.

[@user-ok5xr1jp3e]

Notice how Mc highstick was captain pretty much immediately, you usually have to earn that

[@imulippo5245]

I appreciate your enthusiasm for detailed breakdown of Barkov, but those little black dots look like i have something on my screen!

[@user-sk3zr4eh5h]

He is an ultimate team player. And such a nice human being. I wonder what would happen if he ever loses his mind on ice...

[@puckboy7153]

More videos please~~~

[@SuperMika70]

🤘🤘

[@smellslikeproductions1024]

Barkov, Bennett, Okposo play really good defense. Plus Forsling?? Against a team with no depth scoring?? Easy pickings

[@kylebetsmlb]

Good analysis thanks. Verhaeghe is 23 not 22 btw

[@Kauppamopo]

now that Toews is retired, Barkov is the "Captain Serious"

[@Hockey7234]

Barkov is the best forward in hockey. If he was in the role of scoring more, he would be a 40+ goal scorer a season. He is filling the role thats currently needed.

[@mako_hd]

barky is the goat

[@ericpaul375]

Kucherov, pasta, Panarin/Zibanejad, McDavid/Draisaitl I mean what more is there to say?? It only took winning the cup but been waiting for about 7 yrs for ppls to realize how good he is

[@lanceludwig5349]

He manages to do the intangibles and still produces plenty of offensive. I’ve been saying he’s the best overall player. He won’t get his flowers as long as he deserves because of other older players in bigger markets but he’s at least getting recognition. I never played organized hockey but everything I’ve learned and became decent at the video game by emulating what I’ve seen from Barkov over the last 10 years. I’m almost always the most defensive forward and I still score a lot. Maybe not as much as these losers that just sit in the neutral zone waiting for a breakaway and causing my team to be down a man when defending which is like a pk. Some of these guys are really good at scoring but the chances come so far and few because instead of helping the team and making a play to where we could break out the other way they just want us to give them the puck, then they get 7 breakaways and score 2. If I have 7 breakaways which I haven’t because I don’t put my team in that position, I think I’d get 4/7. But I usually end up 2 or 3 for 4 or 5 chances. Meanwhile I get my guys open for a few a game too. Yeah it’s a game but decisions definitely take part in the success. Arrogantly I like to say if I had a team of guys exactly like me I think it would be one of the best teams but most of the guys I seem to play with are noobs and just don’t see the same things I guess.

[@danielsavadel2151]

McWho ? Yes he is the best hockey player. Florida is the epicenter of the hockey world. Want to play in the NHL finals ? You have to come to Florida. Every year. And if you play here you will save between a million and a half mill in taxes . If Barky played in the northeast US everyone in the world would know he's the best player. About time he got his ring.

[@majorhurricane3712]

Thank you! If barky was a ny ranger we would never hear anyone elses name

[@gerryiannuzzi5122]

First highlight Kaako makes a poor decision board chip around the defender sends the rangers in on a two on one rather than forces a pass into the middle

[@Raphael_Slowik]

Now someone teach the Fin stone speaking and hes the 9th world miracle

[@neldawg593]

He's also the reason why the rangers are watching from home.

[@frankytanky5076]

Florida is just stacked with cheap contracts (which is ending this year) and a goalie putting up a .980 in the finals. Barkov is good, but there’s other factors here.

[@ZachBarger]

The core players are locked up long-term, outside of Reinhart and Verhaeghe. Maybe Bennett as well, but he isn't quite as impactful as the other two. And Forsling locked up for the next 6 years at $5.75 million per year? Best contract in the league by a country mile.

[@imulippo5245]

@@ZachBarger Bill Zito and his scouting team really has eye for efficiency

[@ilkkak3065]

He doesn't seem to be fast but actually some of samples he was nearly lowest player on own end and few seconds later going past defencemen on the other end.

[@briancharters8720]

McDavid has already been chosen for the Conn Smythe. 😂 The entire Florida team can’t stop him… 😂

[@Raphael_Slowik]

🎉🎉🎉 Best player…. 😂😂😂😂 So funny….

[@andybuick-tf9vz]

Yeah and he does not think he can turn water into wine like McJesus …..good luck to the Grease Stain trying to win 4 in a row against this man and his team

[@StreetFig]

McDiver and crysaitl are the two most protected players in league history now getting exposed for hiw useless they are when the games count

[@probablysam2744]

Bad title but sure

[@OWlsfordshire]

There's a lot more to being successful in the playoffs than on ice skill. McDavid and Drai have a loser mentality and tilt extremely easy. McDavid has never comeback from an 0-2 series deficit. Then of course everyone knows Matthews and the Leafs have no heart. You gotta really have your head straight to make it through the guantlet. That's exactly what makes Barkov so dangerous on top of his technical skill.

[@mosinc7388]

Now do Kuch. Best hockey is happening down in Florida.

[@epidermiuss]

Barkov deserves the conn smythe. bob is such a normie pick

[@smnvfdr]

Why Aleksander Barkov is the best player in Hockey when Bobrovsky in the net

[@jimwest7107]

I still rate Vasilevskiy and Shesterkin as better

[@HYP3DSNIP3R]

To be fair Bob had a relatively low save percentage this year and postseason while looking at his GAA. He's absolutely clutch and makes a lot of meaningful saves and steps up at the right time, but they have a fantastic defensive system as well.

[@kevtheschmidt]

He's a good player sure but the best? Not even close. McD over him x100. He did squat in tonight's game.

[@jaakko14]

It's not about the best player but the best 2-way forward. The forward who is great both on offence and defence. Like Bergeron used to be.

[@BigVuVu]

the best defensive forward*

[@seniormale]

Not the best, one of the top players on a very good team.

[@villekarkkainen1314]

barkov is better than crosby.

[@Childofbhaal]

All time? No absolutely not. Barkov isn’t even a PPG player even if he has a great two way game. Crosby also has a great two way game and he scores far, far more.

[@kftc1980]

At the moment. He’s a lot younger, and bigger.

[@stockey]

Being the best hockey player in the world, isn't only about scoring goals, it's about playing a 200 foot game, sorry McDavid, but you're not a 200 foot player, Crosby is closer to that than you.

[@Raphael_Slowik]

😂😂😂😂

[@shotamakarashvili3714]

If number 24 of New York Rangers would have been just a little bit smarter and made the pass not directly but of the left board it could have been 2 on 1 with Barkov being left well behind. Not very smart play to be honest. Definitely not the play I would be showing anyone as an example of his greatness... He just got lucky here NY player didn't think quick enough but it's not because Barkovs play made him to do that.

[@ThenewMattClark.Canadaprison]

Hes great. But best. No.

[@douglepong]

I disagree.. I think he's a good forward.. But if you think he's the best forward when McDavid, McKinnon, Kane, and Bedard exists, then you must be a Panthers fan lol. I might put him in top 20.. maybe.. if that. His teammate Carter Verhaeghe is better. Both regular season and playoffs.

[@BleuSeer]

I know the man personally he is from canada and he doesn´t like the panthers that much he didn´t play for them either

[@douglepong]

@@BleuSeer ohhhh..

[@AdamMCrawford]

Best foward? Lol. Great player but come on.

[@Hockeyisbetter963]

Delusional ah

[@shaman2384]

Best player, maybe, most important no. Goalies are more important by a lot.

[@rebeltvr6046]

The caption was 'best player' which excludes goalie.

[@bartsimpson6708]

goalies can not be the most important because they dont score goals. you need atleast 1 goal to win a game

[@brandonhall9959]

Barkov is a great player, but isnt the best in hockey. I think mcdavid is better but the teams they play for are vastly different and this changes how we view them. FLA is made for the playoffs, and the team plays well around barkov, the Edmonton team structure reminds me of a team like the leafs. Great high end talent, average goaltending and an ok defense. If you go up against FLA with that mix your going to get ripped up. Though to note i think Barkov is better defensively than McDavid. Overall talent goes to MCD, which isnt a slight against barkov, hes still one of the best.

[@jani3253]

Good thinking, i agree. Barkov is much better for the defence men in his team and allow them to be closer to the opponent just by beeing lower. It improves their game a lot. Even if opponent has fast skaters, they don't get their opportunity, because defence man is in his skin.

[@ryanbandersen10]

Barkov is very good, but give your head a shake. You don't know shiet about hockey.

[@BleuSeer]

Bud unless you're a NHL player you don't know any better than someone who's PLAYED in the NHL

[@jimwest7107]

I have Kucherov as the best then Barkov

[@Jz9222]

Offensively? Yes. Overall? Nope. Barkov is just ridiculously good in every aspect of the game.

[@petel7418]

We already saw Barky shut Kuch(,Pastrnak, Panarin etc..) down in these playoffs. Barkov can score clutch goals and is better defensively than Kuch.

[@schustererik83]

@@petel7418 add McDavid, Hyman and Draisaitl to the list

[@thomasbarnes6730]

haha. and hes won Hart and Lindsey multiple times like McDavid.... McDavid kicks his ass and it aisnt even close

[@christopherhollinger901]

Regular season hardware doesn't equal the Stanley Cup!!

[@derekanderson6102]

You’ve got to be joking

[@Pulsar.88]

Austin Mathews is so much better. Probably Marner too.

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

Why they choked completely in the play offs? 0 goals, like now McDavid and Draisaitl. Because the whole Panthers team plays like Sasha.

[@swoosh1420]

He slashes hands lol

[@lanceludwig5349]

Everyone does cry

[@genial98]

His plus/minus is way too bad to be the best player...

[@kasperssononeandonly]

He has shut down Kucherov, Pastrnak, Panarin, Mcdavid and Draisaitl. On the 44 minutes Panthers has been on pk, while Barkov has been on ice, Panthers have allowed two goals and made two goals. Against previously mentioned players. The players have voted him the second best complete player, the most underrated player aswell. Like Maurice said, he is the biggest single reason why they are where they are now. The best player in the world, selke, and will win Conn Smythe. Sounds like a best player in the world.

[@Petterson2]

Watch the games, not stats. For example, against NYR he got 2 minuses when his team played without a goalie and another one where Tkachuck handed the puck to Kreider on PP as a lowest player. Barkov was 40 feet away where he was supposed to be in that situation. He's a fantastic defensive player with ridiculously low amount of mistakes in the whole playoff. His +/- doesn't reflect the reality because he plays with other players and always when they're taking most risks while chasing the lead etc.

[@AleksiCT]

Conn Smythe