Panthers’ Bobrovsky was strong in Game 1 despite loss

Though the Florida Panthers dropped the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final to the Edmonton Oilers, that didn’t mean their netminder didn’t do his part.

Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was beaten by Leon Draisaitl in overtime, solidifying the Oilers 4-3 comeback win. However, it didn’t take away from what was a very solid game from the two-time Vezina Trophy winner (outside of a flukey goal given up to Viktor Arvidsson).

Bobrovsky was tested early and often by the Oilers, who outshot the Panthers 46-32, and made some big saves to keep the game tied early in the extra frame.

On Thursday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk were joined by Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press to discuss Bobrovsky’s performance.

Stephen Whyno: Solid for the most part. I don’t even think Bobrovsky was to blame for the goals he allowed for most of that. You look at the crazy pass McDavid made. You look at some of the defensive breakdowns the Panthers had…He also made some ridiculous saves. That stop on Trent Frederic in overtime was absurd. He made a volume of saves. I know the crowd was getting on him with the ‘Sergei’ chants. Bobrovsky was good. There were points in that first period after the Panthers took the lead where there were easily chances for the Oilers to tie and to take the lead again. The Bob was Bobbing. He was just doing what he does and has done for so much of the last three years for a lot of his career. He’s just a great goaltender.

He basically held up his end of the bargain to the Panthers for me last night. Stuart Skinner was great at those moments. Sergei Bobrovsky was great at those moments. What’s he going to do on that Leon Dreisaitl shot in overtime? I don’t think any goalie in the world is going to stop that unless he shoots the puck right into his chest. I got no problem with Sergei Bobrovsky’s game.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…