Pay it forward: Panthers adopt Kevin Spacey-inspired player award

The Florida Panthers aren't the usual suspects to lead the way in the Atlantic Division standings, but there are now seven teams below them in the standings after Tuesday's win over the Montreal Canadiens.

In the locker room following the game, budding star center Aleksander Barkov - who's out to prove the team's success isn't a house of cards - showed off Florida's "hero of the game" award, a rather bizarre sweatshirt featuring the head of Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, set in space.

This rad sweatshirt goes to the #FlaPanthers 'hero' of a game, tonight @Barkovsasha95 after 2 goals v #Canadiens pic.twitter.com/MQBnrM5yUT

- George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) December 30, 2015

Having become aware of the sweater's special usage, Spacey took to Twitter on Wednesday to affirm the positive vibes it's bringing to the team:

Only I really know what #SpaceyInSpace means. Hope it continues to bring good luck! -K#FlaPanthers @Barkovsasha95 https://t.co/2hOqoQK9Aw

- Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) December 30, 2015

The Panthers are no doubt hoping it helps cement its status as the big kahuna in the Eastern Conference.

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