Apr 24, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) makes a save against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bcb2d458-809b-48be-9cc2-c56ee65945f3.jpeg] Apr 24, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) makes a save against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) Sergei Bobrovsky didn’t have a particularly busy night in terms of stopping pucks on Thursday. Bob finished with 19 saves in Florida’s 2-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2, but it wasn’t the volume that had his teammates thrilled with their tendy afterwards, it was the quality of the stops. Any time Tampa came in with a quick rush or slick play near the net, Bobrovsky stood tall, plugging all holes and making sure nothing cheap would get by. The few times Florida allowed Tampa a grade-A chance, Bobrovsky didn’t flinch, no matter how big of a moment it was. “I don’t think about that to be honest,” said Bobrovsky. “I just stay with the moment and get ready for what comes.” So far in the series, Bob has stopped 39 of Tampa’s 41 shots. Thursday’s shutout was the fourth of his playoff career, and they’ve all come over the past three postseasons. It’s hard to argue that the 36-year-old is playing some of the best hockey of his decorated career. “I just think if you prepare, if you put the time in, and this isn't like he's had a good week, and over the course of his career, the amount of time that he puts into being great, then you can't be surprised,” Panthers Head Coach Maurice said of Bobrovsky. “It's actually just a wonderful life lesson for the people around who get to watch it. If you want to get better, hone your craft, put as much time into it, and find the joy in it, and then you have games like this, where he's just so good, so right. But he earns it, and we're the benefactors of his professionalism.” Next up for Bobrovsky and the Panthers will be Game 3 on Saturday afternoon in Sunrise. Florida has played two tough games against Tampa, and while they should feel going with a 2-0 series lead, Bob and the Panthers know how hard the Bolts will be fighting against falling into an 0-3 hole. “It’s a series, it’s not just one game,” said Bobrovsky. “We’ll enjoy our effort tonight, relax, reset and get ready for our home game.” The puck drops early on Game 3. See you at 1 p.m. inside Amerant Bank Arena. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Three takeaways: Panthers defend well in own zone, penalty kill comes up big [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-panthers-defend-well-in-own-zone-penalty-kill-comes-up-big] Bobrovsky brilliant, Barkov injured as Panthers shutout Tampa to take 2-0 series lead [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/bobrovsky-brilliant-barkov-injured-as-panthers-shutout-tampa-to-take-2-0-series-lead] Panthers look to be better in Game 2, leave Tampa with commanding series lead [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-look-to-be-better-in-game-2-leave-tampa-with-commanding-series-lead] Matthew Tkachuk 'super grateful' following impactful return to Panthers lineup [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/matthew-tkachuk-super-grateful-following-impactful-return-to-panthers-lineup] Three takeaways: Panthers defeat Tampa Bay in odd Game 1 that lacked physicality, even strength play [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-panthers-defeat-tampa-bay-in-odd-game-1-that-lacked-physicality-even-strength-play]
