FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Sergei Bobrovsky admits he only truly reflects on winning the Stanley Cup during significant moments, like the immediate on-ice celebration or the championship parade. Aside from those instances, his focus is consistently on what comes next – a simple yet effective approach for the Florida Panthers` netminder.
At 36 years old, Bobrovsky shows no signs of decline. His statistics in the current playoffs are even better than during last year`s Cup victory, with a higher save percentage and lower goals-against average. In this year`s final series, he is expected to go head-to-head with Stuart Skinner again, the Edmonton Oilers goaltender he faced in last season`s memorable seven-game championship clash. Game one is set for Wednesday night in Edmonton.
“You enjoy the moment and savour the moment,” Bobrovsky commented. “You’re not trying to cut yourself off thinking about what’s ahead or what’s happened in the past. So, you’re just trying to take advantage of the opportunity again. It’s a great opportunity. There’s only two teams left, and we’re one of them and we have an opportunity to win it all. It’s an exciting time, and I want to enjoy every bit of it.”
While Bobrovsky has been Florida`s exclusive goaltender this postseason, Edmonton`s situation was different. Skinner began as the starter but was replaced by Calvin Pickard for a period before regaining the job. The Oilers needed 12 wins to reach the final, with Skinner contributing six victories and Pickard securing the other six.
Skinner`s early playoff numbers were challenging, recording a 3.39 GAA and .872 save percentage in his first six appearances. However, he significantly improved in the final four games of the Western Conference final against Dallas, posting a 1.25 GAA and .952 save percentage in four consecutive wins. Despite appearing more confident, Skinner downplayed any shift in his self-belief.
“I felt confident before,” Skinner stated. “That’s the life of being a goaltender.”
Nevertheless, Skinner acknowledged a distinct feel to those crucial games against Dallas.
“It’s ebbs and flows,” he said. “You can feel it right away. Sometimes you don’t feel it right away. I mean, I wish I felt it all the time.”
Bobrovsky has largely built his career on maintaining consistency and avoiding those fluctuations. The Panthers organization demonstrates complete confidence in his preparation methods. Coach Paul Maurice often notes that he gives Bobrovsky space, leaving his work primarily to goaltending coach Robb Tallas, with Maurice`s own interaction being minimal.
This trust is consistently validated by Bobrovsky`s performance on the ice.
“I’ve said so many times, I’m blessed with the team that I have,” Bobrovsky reflected. “The guys, the management, the coaches. The coaches allow me to do my things, which is important, especially at my age. To have the room to do the things that I need and I believe, I appreciate everything — where I am, who’s around me. It’s a blessing and I appreciate it.”
Duncan Priestley 
Neville Woodall