Barkov, Bobrovsky shine in Panthers 2-1 OT win over St. Louis

The Florida Panthers have an unbelievable captain.

A ridiculous all-around effort by Sasha Barkov during the final minute of overtime pushed the Florida Panthers to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues on Friday night at Amerant Bank Arena.

The win was Florida’s third in a row overall, and fourth straight on home ice.

The Blues picked up the game’s opening goal on a play that didn’t look like much as the puck found its way below the Panthers goal line.

A quick feed from Alexandre Texier found Oskar Sundqvist in front and his quick one-timer beat Sergei Bobrovsky up high at the 10:13 mark.

That’s how the score would remain for nearly a full period, thanks in large part to the strong play of Blues goaltender Joel Hofer.

Florida finally tied the game midway through the second period and it was a defenseman who found the back of the net.

Uvis Balinskis snuck down from the blue line and was spotted by Sasha Barkov, snapping a quick one-timer over Hofer for his first goal of the season.

The Panthers continued to control the majority of the play, through the end of the second period and well through the third, dominating offensive zone time and puck possession.

For all their time with the puck, however, the high quality scoring chances were not easy to come by.

It took until the final minute of overtime for Florida to finally take out the Blues, and it was all Barkov.

After drawing a penalty late while playing keepaway with the puck late in a shift, Barkov came back on the ice for the power play and scored the game-winner on Hofer.

That man is on another level.

On to Tampa.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Balinskis’ goal was the second of his career and first since last November.

He also fired a career-high six shots, leading all players.

Matthew Tkachuk picked up an assist, bringing him to 15 points in nine games this month.

Barkov has now scored four goals over his past six games.

Bobrovsky finished with 26 saves, including on six of the Blues’ seven high danger shots.

Florida ended up with only two high danger shots.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

The Hockey Show: Paul Maurice stories, trade talk, Rangers on the brink

Panthers back on home ice after long road trip, hosting St. Louis

After rigorous travel schedule, Panthers get to end year at home

Three takeaways: Aaron Ekblad thriving, Panthers wrap up road trip on high note

Panthers end road trip in Minnesota on high note, dropping Wild 6-1