WATCH: Panthers’ No. 16 Barkov scores OT winner on night honoring Jose Fernandez
Sometimes, you can’t make these things up: The Florida Panthers paid tribute to late Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez during their season opener on Thursday, and No. 16 — Aleksander Barkov — scored the winning goal in overtime.
The Panthers took the ice wearing custom, identical “Fernandez 16” jerseys for warmups ahead of their game against the New Jersey Devils, in memory of the late 24-year-old ace, who died in a boating accident last month. The team also wore No. 16 helmet decals.
And the Panthers’ own No. 16, Barkov, found the net in a clutch situation to end the game.
Watch it below.
Marlins players Dee Gordon and Adam Conley were among those on hand.
More photos and video from the night are below.
The Panthers join the Miami Heat, Dolphins and Hurricanes as area teams honoring Fernandez’s memory.