Sergei Bobrovsky is having some type of Stanley Cup Playoff.
The Florida Panthers goaltender recorded a 32-save shutout in Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes, making NHL Playoff history in the process. Bobrovsky has now stopped 132 of 134 saves in the Eastern Conference Final to bring the Panthers one win away from the Stanley Cup Final.
According to Sportsnet Stats, Bobrovsky now holds the record for the most saves within the first three games of a Conference Final or Stanley Cup Semi-Final Series. He takes the record from Johhny Bower, who made 125 saves for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Montreal Canadiens in the 1960 Stanley Cup Semi-Final.
Check out Bobrovsky’s historic accomplishment below:
Panthers Sergei Bobrovsky sets record for the most saves within the first 3 games of a Conference Final or Stanley Cup Semi-Final series (126 & counting)
Previous record-holder was Johnny Bower (125 saves) for Maple Leafs vs Canadiens in the 1960 Stanley Cup Semi-Final.
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 23, 2023
Bobrovsky has been playing out of his mind in the Eastern Conference Final, which has frustrated the Hurricanes’ players and coaches alike. Carolina outshot Florida 32-17 in Game 3, but still came away empty due to Bob’s stellar play. Canes’ forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s post-game stick smash tells the whole story:
Kotkaniemi smash#LetsGoCanes pic.twitter.com/6MuZNGE0a1
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 23, 2023
It’s not as if Carolina is only shooting from the outside and failing to generate high-danger chances. Per advanced stats, the Hurricanes controlled 78% of the expected goals in Monday’s game. Bobrovsky saved 2.62 goals above expected in Game 3, meaning he basically won Florida the contest.
Following Monday’s impressive win, Bobrosvky spoke with the NHL on TNT panel and gave some insight into his success this postseason. It was pretty cool for Bob to credit fellow star goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who was interviewing him from the studio for TNT:
Sergei Bobrovsky starting his answer with some props back to Henrik Lundqvist is pretty cool stuff#TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/aF7EHFZPtF
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 23, 2023
Bobrovsky has re-discovered the form from his early days in the NHL that saw him capture multiple Vezina trophies. Although he lost his starting job to Alex Lyon at the start of the postseason, Bob received the start in Game 4 and since hasn’t looked back. The 34-year-old has started 12 straight playoff games, posting a 12-10-2 record with a .935 save percentage and 2.15 GAA.
Bobrovsky’s historic accomplishment in the Eastern Conference Final should provide a clear answer as to who is the current Conn Smythe favorite. Given Bobrovsky’s heavy workload and multiple overtimes played, however, the question now becomes whether the MVP goalie can lead his team all the way to the ultimate prize.