Panthers´ 3-1 victory over Maple Leafs handed Sergei Bobrovsky lone place for second-most wins in franchise history with 107 triumphs. With this feat, Bob sits only behind Roberto Luongo who accumulates 230 triumphs. With 29 saves against Toronto, Bobrovsky breaks the record previously shared with John Vanbiesbrouck.
What a ride has it been for Russian goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky since his arrival at Sunrise in July 2019. Signing for a $70 million contract over a 7-year stretch, the former Blue Jackets’ goalie set up high expectations which, truth be told, he failed to meet in his debut season wearing the red and white sweater. On many occasions the contract former GM Dale Tallon offered him seemed excessive. Ultimately Tallon´s days running the show at South Florida came to an end and new GM Bill Zito rearranged the pieces and Bobrovsky got it back together.
Bobrovsky Second in Franchise History in Wins
Blueline Aids Bobrovsky
One of, if not the main concern the Florida Panthers had on their lineup was the lack of defencemen capable of blocking shot lanes and providing their goaltending tandem with some much-needed rest when on their D-zone. On came players such as Gustav Forsling, Brandon Montour, and Radko Gudas and Bobrovsky`s play got much better. On that high note, the Panthers approached the 2021-22 season and they became a juggernaut, steamrolling their way through the Atlantic Division and winning the Presidents´Trophy. Number 72 played a huge role in this campaign and though the Panthers fell short of their goal after a gut-wrenching sweep in the hands of state enemies, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the mood had changed at Sunrise and doubts regarding their starting goaltender were finally starting to vanish into thin air.
Surfing the Hot Hand
Most Florida Panthers fans would agree Bobrovsky is a player who goes through streaks and up-and-downs he is not the most consistent or regular night-in-night-out type of goalie, but one thing is certain: when he is feeling himself and on top of his game he is one of the best in the National Hockey League. Paul Maurice understood this upon arrival and often stood with the same starting goalie for 4 to 5 games in a row, whether it was Alex Lyon or Bobrovsky the coach knew it was not his role to cool off the goalie who was on a steamy stretch, leave that to the opponents’ superstars and Maurice still liked his masked men´s chances.
Even though playoff wins do not add up for the record books, Bobrovsky played at his best during the team´s last magical run reaching the Stanley Cup Finals after he took over the starting spot from Lyon, and never looked back. Every night he played he featured on the highlight reel with acrobatic efforts and breathtaking snags. Bobrovsky has over 100 wins (107 to be precise) as a Florida Panther but perhaps none better than those forgotten during the months of May and June 2023.
Striving for Greatness
Bobrovsky`s fantastic outing against the Toronto Maple Leafs on his team 3-1 Win, earned the Russian a lone seat on the franchise´s history Mount Rushmore for most wins coming in at second place but with lots of future games ahead. Only sitting behind team legend, Roberto Luongo whose jersey is hanging on the AmerantBank Arena´s rafters. Sergei has proved once again his worth and cemented himself as one of the best goalies to ever dress up for the Panthers. Ironically, the feat occurred after a game against the Leafs, who have more than enough recent history to despise Bobrovsky who keeps shutting the door on them and is becoming much of a cult idol down at South Florida, as well as a franchise centerstone.
“Every time I play here, it’s so much fun. (The fans) give us energy, give us motivation, and give us so much support.”
Sergei Bobrovsky, now the second-winningest goaltender in team history, gave kudos to the sellout crowd of 19,288 in tonight’s electric home opener win. ? pic.twitter.com/U56NCsYTUA
— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) October 20, 2023
Whether he catches up to Luongo´s record remains to be seen, what we can expect is lots of more jaw-dropping saves and some mistakes that will bring up more thoughts regarding his 10 million/year contract. The 2023-24 season is off to a good start for the Cats and Bob does not seem to have lost any momentum from last springs run. Meanwhile, the Panthers are confident since they have their goaltender all tied up until the 2025-26 season. And as long as the blueline stays strong and the offensive lines do not run out of fireworks and magic tricks, the two-time Vezina winner should continue to go up on wins rankings and approach slowly but steadily on record owner, Luongo.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
