Sergei Bobrovsky completed the fourth game of the play-off final of the National Hockey League ahead of schedule. In 25 minutes, the Florida goalie made just 11 saves, allowing five goals at a time. The Panthers understandably suffered a devastating 1-8 loss.
What did teammates, rivals and the Panthers head coach, who replaced the goalkeeper, say about Bobrovsky’s unsuccessful game?
Related materials
Crazy 8:1 in the NHL final! McDavid surpassed Gretzky and Edmonton destroyed Florida
Edmonton forward Zach Hyman was happy the Oilers finally got past Bob. But the Oilers do not overestimate this victory: the score in the series is only 1-3.
“We are all human. We had to keep working and create chances, and in the end goals resulted. Obviously today we had good opportunities and we were able to beat Bobrovsky. But this is just one victory, we must do it again. We maintain the faith and the current mentality. But it was nice to get a big win and show that we can do it and make our opponents doubt themselves a little bit,” Hyman said.
Florida coach Paul Maurice explained the decision to replace Bobrovsky with Anthony Stolarz, who made his debut in these playoffs.
“I had had enough. If you think you’re setting yourself up for a comeback, you rarely care about the goalkeeper. The main events take place at the other end of the ice. Bob played a lot. I decided to replace it after the fifth washing machine, he had had enough. That was the decision.
People, there is not much good here. But Bob got some rest. I’ll take it,” Maurice said.
Sergei Bobrovsky
Photo: AP/TASS
Florida forward Evan Rodríguez supported Sergei, remembering the level of the Russian goalkeeper.
“This is a top-level professional. I’m sure he will be fine in game five. I don’t even doubt it,” Rodríguez is quoted in the Club’s press service.
Panthers leader Matthew Tkachuk also expressed his support for Bobrovsky, noting that the goaltender is not to blame for the loss or the missed goals.
“We conceded eight goals and none of them were the fault of our goalkeepers. Bob was great all year, during the playoffs. It was more of a wake-up call for forwards and defensemen than for him. It’s not Bob’s fault. I think he made some amazing saves. We know he will come back stronger than ever.
We hadn’t lost a final until tonight, so at the end of the day we just go back to work. When we win, we learn and move on to the next game. If we lose, we do the same.
Related materials
“The fans harassed Bob.” The reaction of the United States to Bobrovsky’s failure in the Stanley Cup final
We are in an incredible position right now. We came here and got a win. We are going home with the opportunity to win the Stanley Cup in front of our incredible fans, who are very happy to see us and we are very happy to play against them,” Tkachuk is quoted in the club’s press service.
Bobrovsky himself did not seem particularly upset about his replacement.
The goalie, already sitting on the bench, gave the young fan a puck. And then he smiled widely, looking at the bucket of sand.
VIDEO
Apparently the substitution and all the missed goals had little effect on Bobrovsky. And Sergei will probably start the next game. And his colleagues continue to believe in him. I wonder if they will help Bob in game five.
