Rautiainen Wins Shootout with Barkov-Style Move in Barkov’s Home Arena

Benjamin Rautiainen tied Tampa Bay’s preseason game late and then won the shootout against Florida in the Lightning’s final exhibition match at Aleksander Barkov’s home arena.

The equaliser came in the third period when Gage Goncalves slipped a cross-ice pass to Rautiainen, who finished cleanly.

He closed the game in the shootout with a flashy maneuver: he cradled the puck on his skate, shifted it from palm to backhand and back, then flicked it past Florida goalie Akira Schmid. He pulled it off.

Local paper Tamperelainen and Tampa Bay Times reporter Eduardo Encina reported that Rautiainen said he had seen Barkov perform the trick and decided to try it himself. He admitted he had never executed it in a game but was pleased it worked.

Coach Jon Cooper praised the cool finish and the composure it showed.

Tampa Bay must trim its roster to 23 players by Monday, when Rautiainen’s NHL fate should become clear. If he does not make the squad, the 21-year-old is expected to return to Tappara after posting 77 points in 55 regular-season games last season.

His NHL hype grew after he broke the 70-point barrier earlier this season a milestone that drew NHL attention.