FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – The only times Sergei Bobrovsky truly reflected on winning the Stanley Cup were during the obvious moments: the on-ice celebration that night, the day of the parade, and similar occasions.
Otherwise, he stuck to his usual routine: focusing on what was next.
This straightforward approach works best for the Florida goaltender, who is set to appear in his third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. At 36, showing no signs of slowing down, Bobrovsky boasts a higher save percentage and a lower goals-against average in these playoffs compared to his performance last year en route to the championship.
In this year`s final series, he will likely face off against Stuart Skinner again – the Edmonton netminder from last year`s classic seven-game Final where Florida triumphed over the Oilers. Game one is scheduled for Wednesday night in Edmonton.
“You have to enjoy and cherish the moment,” Bobrovsky stated. “You shouldn`t cut yourself off by thinking about what`s ahead or dwelling on the past. So, you`re simply trying to seize the opportunity once more. It`s a tremendous chance. Only two teams remain, and we are one of them with the possibility to win it all. It`s an exhilarating time, and I want to relish every second of it.”
Bobrovsky has been Florida`s exclusive goaltender throughout these playoffs. Edmonton`s situation was different. Skinner began the postseason as the starter but was replaced by Calvin Pickard before eventually reclaiming the position. The Oilers needed 12 victories to reach the final; Skinner secured six of them, while Pickard accounted for the other six.
However, prior to his brief replacement, Skinner`s statistics weren`t as strong as they are now. In his first six playoff appearances, he had a 3.39 GAA and an .872 save percentage. In his last four games, all victories against Dallas in the Western Final, his GAA was 1.25 and his save percentage was .952. He seemed more confident, though Skinner himself downplayed that notion.
“I felt confident before,” Skinner commented. “That`s just how it is being a goaltender.”
Nevertheless, Skinner did concede that the games against Dallas felt different.
“It has its ups and downs,” said Skinner. “You can feel it instantly. Sometimes not right away. I mean, I wish I could feel it constantly.”
Bobrovsky has largely built his career on navigating away from such fluctuations. The Panthers place complete faith in him and his preparation methods. Florida coach Paul Maurice frequently emphasizes – and he`s serious – that he doesn`t coach Bobrovsky. Robb Tallas serves as Florida`s goaltender coach and works with Bobrovsky; Maurice`s role is primarily to say hello and little else.
Bobrovsky consistently validates this trust.
“I`ve said it many times, I am blessed with the team I have,” Bobrovsky remarked. “The players, management, the coaches. The coaches allow me the freedom to do my routines, which is vital, especially at my age. Having the space to do what I need and believe in, I am grateful for everything – my current position, the people around me. It`s a blessing, and I appreciate it.”
