Barkov earns award

Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov was named the NHL’s third star of the week after he scored five goals and assisted on another in four games, becoming the third Panthers player this season to be named one of the league’s stars of the week.

Barkov is on a six-game point streak that has coincided with Florida’s seasonlong six-game winning streak. In his past 15 games, the 22-year-old center has 10 goals and 11 assists.

Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon (five goals and six assists) was named the first star. Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine — Barkov’s countryman and video game partner — took home the second star after recording four goals and three assists.

Earlier this season, Panthers goaltender James Reimer was named the third star of the week in leading Florida on a winning streak entering Christmas break. Third-string goalie Harri Sateri was the second star of the week in February after he backstopped the team on a winning streak.

Barkov is enjoying a career year in his fifth season in the league. Overall, he leads the Panthers in goals (25), assists (39) and points (64). He’s already set a career-high for points in a season, even with 19 games remaining.

Barkov also leads all NHL forwards with 22:22 of ice time per game. He leads the NHL with five shorthanded goals, and is a contender for the Selke Trophy, annually given to the league’s best defensive forward.

Florida entered Monday one point out of a playoff spot in the East.