Sergei Bobrovsky doesn’t dwell on the past—not even after winning the Stanley Cup. Aside from the parade and on-ice celebration, the Florida Panthers goalie always looks forward. That mindset has carried him to a third straight Stanley Cup Final, still dominant at 36 with improved stats over last year’s championship run.
In this year’s final, Bobrovsky is likely to duel once again with Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner, whom he defeated in last season’s seven-game thriller. Game 1 kicks off in Edmonton on Wednesday night.
“You enjoy the moment and savour the moment,” Bobrovsky said. “You’re not trying to cut yourself off thinking about what’s ahead or what’s happened in the past… It’s an exciting time, and I want to enjoy every bit of it.”
Bobrovsky has been Florida’s go-to goalie throughout these playoffs, while Edmonton has alternated between Skinner and Calvin Pickard. Skinner reclaimed his spot with standout performances against Dallas, posting a 1.25 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage in the last four games.
“I felt confident before,” Skinner said. “That’s the life of being a goaltender.”
Florida coach Paul Maurice entrusts Bobrovsky to manage his own preparation, leaving the technical work to goaltender coach Robb Tallas. That trust has paid off.
“I’ve said so many times, I’m blessed with the team that I have,” Bobrovsky said. “The coaches allow me to do my things… I appreciate everything — where I am, who’s around me.”
Swifteradio.com
