May 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice (blue suit) calls out instructions during the third period of game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Panthers HC Keeps Mood Light After Game 4 Loss

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Nick Horwat | Last updated May 27, 2025 11:00 AM ET

The Florida Panthers failed to seal their sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes, getting shut out of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. While the Hurricanes took the 3-0 win, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice didn’t seem too bent out of shape about the loss.

Following the Panthers’ defeat, Maurice spoke with the media and made sure to keep the mood light. When asked about the play of star goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Maurice thought that was a good opportunity for some jokes.

“I didn’t like the last two at all,” Maurice said. “His gap was horse s---.”

Paul Maurice said the last two goals were "horses--t" when asked about how Bob played...

The net was empty for the last two pic.twitter.com/LUWBGsQsgr
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 27, 2025

Maurice is referring to the last two goals the Hurricanes tallied to make it a 3-0 game, both of which, Bobrovsky was on the Panthers’ bench for. Maurice had pulled Bobrovsky for the extra attacker in hopes of crawling back into the game.

Maurice is known for being a bit of a jokester with the media, and this was just another prime example of his sense of humor. Even after a loss, he and the Panthers don’t seem concerned about a Hurricanes comeback.

There is plenty of series left and Bobrovsky has been a key to the Panthers’ success all playoffs. Despite the loss, Bobrovsky played well in Game 4, making 25 saves on 26 shots faced.

Currently leading the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs in wins (11) and shutouts (3) Bobrovsky could be in consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP if the Panthers go one to repeat as champions. In 16 games played, he has an 11-5 record with a .914 save percentage and 2.05 goals against average.

The Hurricanes may have ended a lengthy Eastern Conference Final losing streak that dated back to 2006, but they aren’t completely back just yet. The Panthers are still in full control of the series and are looking to reach their third straight Stanley Cup Final.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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