Blackhawks Daily: The Stupendous Sergei Bobrovsky

The off-season has a lot of hype as we are a few weeks away from “silly season.” One thing has hasn’t been silly, though, has been the performance of Sergei Bobrovsky in the playoffs.

The Florida Panthers took game one over the Edmonton Oilers although they were thoroughly dominated. That is bad news for the Oilers because the Panthers are sure to be much better in this game.

Sergei Bobrovsky was sensational in the first game. He made 33 saves for his second shutout of the playoffs. He is now the only goalie with two during this postseason. If the Panthers want to win this series, they need this great play from their netminder to continue.

As we enter game two, it is fair to wonder if Sergei Bobrovsky is playing for the Hall of Fame. Since the beginning of his run in the playoffs last season (after earning his job back from Alex Lyon), he has been one of the best goalies in the NHL. The Panthers are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row with him as the biggest reason why. Sure, the Panthers have tons of skill at forward and on defense otherwise they wouldn’t be here but Bobrovsky has been amazing.

They lost in the Final last year but are now three wins away from winning it this year. No matter what happens in this series, however, there shouldn’t be any doubt about his Hall of Fame status.

Next year, his 4th win of the season will be the 400th in his NHL career. He currently has a career record of 396-224-55 with a .915 save percentage and a 2.69 goals-against average.

Bobrovsky is a two-time winner of the Vezina Trophy and has three additional top-ten finishes (not including this season). He is nominated for it again this year but Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets is likely to win it.

If this continues, perhaps it’s a Conn Smythe trophy joining his hardware case.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

Adam Jiricek is the latest potential prospect that the Blackhawks could consider at #18

Who to pick at #18? How about Michael Hage, who starred for the Chicago Steel and continues to rocket up the draft board?

The Chicago Blackhawks should consider someone like Berkly Catton in the first round–especially if he falls closer to #18.

The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to build a winning team. They should be going off Connor McDavid’s path to the Stanley Cup Final. 

Stanley Cup Final Coverage From Florida Hockey Now

Carter Verhaeghe has been on fire for the Florida Panthers–just as he has been all playoffs long.

The Edmonton Oilers have learned that everything about the Panthers comes as advertised–especially after a lockdown 3-0 win Saturday night

It’s one thing to know you’re considered one of the best by winning the Selke twice. It’s a whole other when it’s the Great One complimenting Sasha Barkov.

Niko Mikkola is “built for the playoffs” and continues to log important minutes for the Panthers

Hockey Now Network

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks have a leading candidate for the head coaching position.

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins are a good team that could improve if they manage the new cap well.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights are in danger of losing Chandler Stephenson this off-season.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils have one division rival that could challenge them for a Linus Ullmark trade.