Ekblad, Barkov lead Panthers to 4-2 win over Canucks
SUNRISE, Fla. — Aleksander Barkov has put an extended scoring slump behind him, and that finally helped the Florida Panthers end a losing streak Saturday night.
Barkov had a goal and an assist and has 11 points in his last 12 games, including four goals in the past six. Earlier in the season, Barkov slogged through a drought of 21 games without a goal.
Those recent points hadn’t done the Panthers much good, though, until the Canucks came to town. Aaron Ekblad gave Florida a three-goal lead early in the third period and the Panthers held on for a 4-2 victory over Vancouver to end a five-game slide.
“I couldn’t score in (21) games, and then I scored finally. And now I’m feeling more confident,” Barkov said.