Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is looking to bounce back against the San Jose Sharks tonight after allowing nine goals in his last appearance.
The Florida Panthers entered the fifth game of their six-game road trip last Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes, feeling better about their hockey after winning two straight.
When the final buzzer sounded, the only feeling was one of dread and embarrassment. The Panthers found themselves tied 1-1 early in the second period, but they went on to allow six goals in the third period, losing 9-1.
Sergei Bobrovsky was in goal for all nine goals, finishing with a .743 save percentage, turning away just 26 of the 35 shots he faced. The Panthers’ penalty kill percentage took a significant blow as they allowed four goals on five opportunities.
When the Panthers travelled to Washington to take on the Capitals, Daniil Tarasov backed the Panthers, turning away 22 of the 24 shots he faced en route to a 5-2 victory.
Although Tarasov’s numbers are significantly better than Bobrovsky’s, Tarasov is still taking on very few starts, and prior to his start against Washington, it had been five games since he last played.
The 37-year-old Bobrovsky will be back in goal tonight against the San Jose Sharks, looking to slow down Macklin Celebrini and the rest of the young, high-flying forwards the Sharks dress. The Sharks are tied for third place in the Pacific Division with 51 points and a 24-20-3 record.
The Sharks average the 16th most goals per game (3.11), 29th most shots on goal (25.3), and the fifth-best shooting percentage (12.3 percent). Bobrovsky has at times shown he is the goaltender who backstopped the Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup wins, but his inconsistency has plagued the Panthers.
The Panthers remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, but are now four points back of a wild card spot with two teams ahead of them. They are also eight points back of third place in the Atlantic Division, with three teams ahead.
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