Forward Tomas Hertl, now Barbashev’s teammate, can attest to the physical aspect; Hertl was playing for the San Jose Sharks in the 2019 Western Conference Final when he took a big hit from Barbashev, who was playing for the Blues at the time, in Game 5 of that series.
“We’re all good now but then it was a little heated,” Hertl said. “But that’s part of it, you know?
“He can make great plays, and he can score big goals but he’s heavy. He’s got one of the biggest hits in the playoffs. I think he has the most hits in the playoffs and that’s why he’s fighting for a third Stanley Cup for himself. That’s why he’s always there.”
Barbashev is indeed leading the playoffs with 107 hits, nine more than his teammate, forward Cole Smith. Barbashev has 255 career hits in the postseason, fifth in Golden Knights playoff history behind defenseman Brayden McNabb (338) and forwards William Carrier (337), Kolesar (298) and former forward Jonathan Marchessault (273).
Barbashev has brought what was necessary in two previous Cup runs, and Vegas needs him in order to complete this one.
“He’s got a special spark in the playoffs and he’s physical and sometimes he’s a great player,” Hertl said. “He’s skilled and he can make you change your moves. Certainly, happy to have him on the team.”