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Panthers' Bobrovsky joins exclusive group in win over Rangers 
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) prepares to defend the net following a timeout in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky joins exclusive group in win over Rangers 

Florida Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky is now a part of an exclusive group.

On Thursday, Bobrovsky secured career victory No. 400, turning aside 24 of 25 shots to help the Panthers top the New York Rangers 3-1. 

With only 707 games played, the 36-year-old is the fastest to reach the rare number, beating out Henrik Lundqvist (727 games), who previously held the distinction.

Bobrovsky is now one of only 14 goalies to surpass the 400-win mark. Meanwhile, he's just the second active tender to accomplish the feat, joining Marc-Andre Fleury.

While Bobrovsky etched his name in the record books, he prevented a former Panther from doing the same. Late in the third period, he sprawled out to make a ridiculous toe save on Vincent Trocheck, denying the Rangers forward career goal No. 200.

Bobrovsky's latest milestone adds to an already impressive resume. A two-time Vezina Trophy winner, he helped lead the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup in 2024.

Currently 14th on the all-time in wins, he could quickly climb up the list. If he duplicates last year's 36-win campaign, he will end the 2024-25 campaign ranked 10th behind Hall of Famer Jacques Plante (437).

The 15-year pro has done enough to earn Hall of Fame consideration. However, following Thursday's history-making win, Bobrovsky is all but a shoo-in and may even be worthy of getting in on his first try whenever he decides to hang up the skates for good.

For now, Bobrovsky and the Panthers are looking to defend their title. Through nine games, Florida is 5-3-1 with 11 points, tied with the Rangers (5-1-1) for the most in the Eastern Conference.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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