Sergei Bobrovsky strengthens Conn Smythe case with brilliant shutout in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
Bobrovsky made 32 saves against Edmonton, including all 13 high danger shots sent his way
A quick story on Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Why?
Well, he was lights out on Saturday night, backstopping the Panthers to a 3-0 victory in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
He’s also probably the leader in the clubhouse for the Conn Smythe Trophy, so there’s that, as well.
Bobrovsky finished Game 1 with 32 saves, his highest save total so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Of those 32 saves, 13 of them came on high danger shots, according to Natural Stat Trick. Ten shots came off the sticks of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Edmonton’s expected goal total was 3.73.
Bottom line, Bob had a busy night.
“I’m very impressed with the way he played tonight, especially early,” said Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. “But honestly, throughout the whole night he was really good and he was there for us.”
The thing about Bobrovsky is that he’s been good for Florida regardless of whether he’s being bombarded with shots or having to keep his focus while watching his Panthers carry play for extended segments.
While in the vast majority of his games this season Bobrovsky faced less shots than he did in Game 1 (45 of his 58 regular season appearances), Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice has raved throughout the season about Bob’s ability to remain focused regardless of whether it’s a game where he’s facing a ton of shots or one where he goes long stretches without seeing any rubber.
“I think that’s the game that, over time, most goaltenders are used to, the higher volume, more consistency, and it certainly was that through the first two (periods),” Maurice said. “But that's truly the advantage for us of having a guy that's seen it all at this point in his career. He's had quiet times, he's had very, very busy nights, and he's clearly capable of operating at a high level in both.”
Bobrovsky has been extremely solid and consistent for the Panthers during their second straight run to the Stanley Cup Final, but he ramped things up a bit during the Eastern Conference Final.
In six games against the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers, Bobrovsky skated to a 1.89 goals against average and a .921 save percentage while only allowing more than two goals once.
Zooming out and looking at the playoffs as a whole, Bobrovsky’s importance looms even larger.
During the postseason, Florida has allowed more than two goals only four times.
They are 1-3 in those games.
In the games where the Cats allow two goals or less, they’re 12-2.
If Bob keeps up this pace, he could very well find himself raising a pair of trophies in the coming weeks.
“He's just been unreal,” said Tkachuk. “His preparation is incredible. His work ethic, his character, like everything you want in a teammate, especially a goalie. He has everything.”
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