Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky typically doesn`t dwell on past achievements, like winning the Stanley Cup, except for the immediate moments of celebration such as the on-ice festivities and the parade. His consistent approach is to focus on what comes next.
This straightforward mindset serves the 36-year-old goalie well as he prepares for his third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. Showing no signs of decline, Bobrovsky`s save percentage and goals-against average in these playoffs are actually better than during last year`s championship run.
In this Final series, he is expected to face Stuart Skinner once again, the Edmonton Oilers netminder who was in goal when Florida defeated the Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series last year. Game one is scheduled for Wednesday night in Edmonton.
Bobrovsky commented on his approach, saying, “You enjoy the moment and savour the moment. You`re not trying to cut yourself off thinking about what`s ahead or what`s happened in the past. So, you`re just trying to take advantage of the opportunity again.” He described it as a “great opportunity” for one of the final two teams and expressed his desire to “enjoy every bit of it.”
While Bobrovsky has been Florida`s only goalie throughout these playoffs, Edmonton`s path was different. Stuart Skinner began as the starter but was temporarily replaced by Calvin Pickard before regaining his role. Skinner and Pickard each earned six of the Oilers` twelve playoff wins.
Before being replaced, Skinner`s statistics were less favourable (3.39 GAA, .872 save percentage). However, in his final four games against Dallas, all Oilers victories that secured their spot in the Final, his performance significantly improved, posting a 1.25 GAA and a .952 save percentage. Despite this turnaround, Skinner maintained he felt confident throughout, describing it as simply “the life of being a goaltender.”
Skinner did acknowledge a shift in dynamic during the Dallas series, noting, “It`s ebbs and flows. You can feel it right away. Sometimes you don`t feel it right away. I mean, I wish I felt it all the time.”
In contrast, Bobrovsky has built his career on minimizing such “ebbs and flows.” The Panthers organization places complete trust in him and his specific needs. Head coach Paul Maurice often lightheartedly mentions he doesn`t coach Bobrovsky, leaving that responsibility to goalie coach Robb Tallas, and limiting his own interaction to simple greetings.
Bobrovsky consistently justifies this trust with his performance. He feels “blessed with the team” including the players, management, and coaches. He particularly appreciates the leeway the coaches provide, which is crucial “especially at my age,” allowing him “the room to do the things that I need and I believe.” He values his position and the people around him, calling it a “blessing.”
Tristan Blackwood