Barkov, Lundell live out childhood dreams in NHL Global Series

It was a fine welcome home for Florida Panthers' captain Aleksander Barkov and the team's other Finnish players.

Before a sellout crowd at Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland, Barkov scored a goal and had three assists to lead the Panthers to a 6-4 victory over the Dallas Stars.

Barkov grew up about a mile from the arena. It was the first game of the NHL Global Series. Game two is set for Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.

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"For me, to come home and play in my hometown and score a goal was an amazing feeling," Barkov said.

Sam Reinhart, who scored two goals for the Panthers, knew this was a big game for Barkov, Anton Lundell and the other Finnish players on the team.

"For Barky, you think about it your whole life. To perform this way on this stage in his hometown, it's exciting," Reinhart said. "It's that European atmosphere. You could sense the excitement."

Aaron Ekblad could not stop raving about Barkov. He was very happy for his friend and teammate who lived out a dream most players can only wish for.

"He put his elite skill on display," Ekblad said. "I'm sure this is what he's always dreamed of doing by coming home."

Lundell summed up the evening for the Finnish players. He joined Barkov in scoring before the home crowd.

"We had goose bumps before the game. I am just so happy to be here," Lundell said.

Lundell's grandfather never got to see him play an NHL game in person, so Friday's game meant quite a bit to both of them.

Lundell choked up as he spoke of his grandfather, who raised him with his grandmother, when he was a child.

"I was looking for my grandfather after we scored the first goal. It was a very special moment for both of us," Lundell said. "He and my grandmother raised me. We are very close. It was very important to have him here."

Panthers' coach Paul Maurice also spoke of the special feeling the team has with the Finnish fans. He also discussed how powerful the feeling must have been for the Finns that took the ice.

"We're very happy for Barkov, but we see that game often, that's why he's a star in our league," Maurice said. "There are a lot of proud Finns here tonight. It just feels right."

Maurice praised the crowd for their energy. He said they appeared to be some of the most educated hockey fans he ever saw.

"It was a great atmosphere. They made noises at the right times," Maurice said. "They clearly understand the game very well. I would call it a sophisticated crowd."

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