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Concussion Expert Flags Sergei Bobrovsky's Incident in Panthers-Hurricanes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 21, 2025 5:51 AM ET

On Tuesday night, Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky played a pivotal role in his team’s 5-2 Game 1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Bobrovsky stopped 31 of 33 shots, but beyond the stat line, the netminder grabbed most headlines on the night because of a collision that sparked serious concern.

Late in the second period, Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov skated through the crease and struck Bobrovsky in the head with his knee.

No penalty was assessed on the play, and Bobrovsky remained in the game. Following the incident, the goalie downplayed the hit and brushed off any suggestion of injury.

"It’s okay. It’s the playoffs. They try to get under the skin," Bobrovsky said, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "I just focus on my things and try not to think about that."

Bobrovsky with a clear SHAAKE after a hit to the head. Not evaluated. Time will tell whether he was clearing the cobwebs due to #concussion symptoms or was adjusting his mask as goalies sometimes do. But since he wasn't evaluated, we can never be sure. Team is taking a risk. pic.twitter.com/nqLIltoCBg
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) May 21, 2025

Concussion Legacy Foundation CEO and neuroscientist Chris Nowinski had different thoughts on the incident and took to social media to highlight the potential risk the Panthers assumed by not pulling Bobrovsky for evaluation.

"Bobrovsky with a clear SHAAKE after a hit to the head. Not evaluated," Nowinski posted on X. "Time will tell whether he was clearing the cobwebs due to #concussion symptoms or was adjusting his mask...

"Team is taking a risk."

Bobrovsky previously experienced another crease collision in Game 6 against Toronto, when teammate Sam Bennett knocked his mask off.

In both cases, he stayed in the game and didn't show clear concussion symptoms.

The Panthers controlled the game from start to finish, and following their Game 1 win, Florida improved to 6-2 on the road this postseason. Carolina’s loss, meanwhile, marked their 13th consecutive defeat in a conference final.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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