Sergei Bobrovsky chirps teammates as he blows them away in practice for Game 1

The Florida Panthers are in the Conference Finals for the first time in 27 years and they can thank goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. The Russian netminder took over in Game 3 of the first-round series against the Boston Bruins and then denied the Toronto Maple Leafs’ superstars in Round 2. During the five games against Toronto, Bobrovsky stopped 164 of 174 shots for a .942 save percentage to go with a tidy 1.89 goals against average. He’s put up a solid .918 save percentage in the postseason and is looking to keep strong against the Carolina Hurricanes, starting on Thursday.

In practice on Wednesday, Bobrovsky proved to his teammates that he was indeed ready to go when reporter David Dwork witnessed the goalie make a diving Superman glove save followed by a split save with his right pad, then get up and chirp a couple teammates.

“He’s ready for Game 1.”

Head coach Paul Maurice has recently mentioned that his goalie’s improvement has more to do with something mental instead of anything physical.

“I think what you’re seeing is a confident Sergei Bobrovsky,” said Maurice. “He’s the reason we’re winning. Sergei knows that he’s come back in and every night he’s been the best goalie.”

His attitude at practice ahead of Game 1 showed that and with the Panthers on their way to Carolina to take on the Canes tomorrow, it has to be a good feeling for Florida to know that Bob is in good spirits and ready to go.

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