As the Eastern Conference race finally seems to be firming up, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the eight teams?

Between Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart ... Byfield is the wild card there and looks to be ready to take over as The Guy, but that still feels like it’s a year away.

On the floor at the front of the room, in front of a dry erase board, was a blue, inert (key word) 5-inch gun shell ... with team captains Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad ...

Commissioner of the NHL Gary Bettman hands Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) the Stanley Cup after they defeated ...

Barkov (rest) will return to the lineup versus Tampa Bay for Game 1 of the playoffs, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports. Barkov sat out the last two games of the regular season ...

Barkov recorded two assists, two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Rangers. Barkov was rested Saturday versus the Sabres but drew back into the lineup Monday.

Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) controls the puck as he looks down the ice during the second period of an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at Amerant Bank Arena on Sunday ...

The Florida Panthers were without Aleksander Barkov in their recent clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Barkov suffered an injury on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. While he returned for ...

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov ... Senators in the first wild-card spot. They also lost 3-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Gustav Forsling ...

Captain Aleksander Barkov, who missed time in the second period of Florida’s overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens, did play Wednesday against in Florida’s 3-2 loss to the Maple Leafs at ...

The Florida Panthers will have captain Aleksander Barkov back within their ranks Tuesday ... The Ottawa Senators - currently in the first wild-card spot - are close behind, trailing the Panthers ...