Canada Sport News

Aleksander Barkov of the Panthers passes Stanley Cup to teammate Sergei Bobrovsky
  • 2024 Stanley Cup Final - Oilers vs. Panthers, Game coverage - story
    •

    Aleksander Barkov of the Panthers passes Stanley Cup to teammate Sergei Bobrovsky

    Who does the Stanley Cup get passed off to first?

    A question often on every hockey fan’s mind once NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presents the trophy to a winning team’s captain. And following arguably the most high-stakes Final in recent memory, being one of the first to kiss the Cup was going to be an especially high honour on Monday night.

    That glory went to none other than goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky after he helped the Florida Panthers take Game 7, 2-1, over the Edmonton Oilers to capture the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup.

    Panthers captain Alexsander Barkov handed the trophy to the 35-year-old for his lap around the Amerant Bank Arena rink, knowing the whole time net-minder would be up first.

    “He deserves it,” Barkov, the longest-serving Panther said to Kyle Bukauskas post-game. “We had a lot of players who deserved it, but Bobby was the one.”

    Bobrovsky, a 14-year veteran, had his ups and downs throughout his first nine years — split between Philadelphia and Columbus — and then the next five in South Florida. All of which were encompassed through the first six games in the Stanley Cup Final. A series that included a dominant, 32-save shutout in Game 1, but also a Game 4 performance in which he allowed five goals on 16 shots and got pulled.

    But “Bob” stepped up when his team needed it most.

    Facing the prospect of collapsing, after being up 3-0 in the series, the two-time All-Star managed to shut the door on the Oilers. Bobrovsky made 23 saves in Game 7, finishing with a .958 save percentage and allowing only one goal.

    “True champions have to overcome adversity,” said the NHL’s No. 14 goaltender in wins all-time. “We lost three in a row, it wasn’t easy but we got together … I love those guys.”

    Lifting the trophy, one year after falling short, capped off what’s sure to be a Hall of Fame resume for Bobrovsky.

    Two-time Vezina trophy winner, 396 wins all-time and now Stanley Cup champion.

    “It’s amazing,” Bobrovsky said. “I was dreaming all my life for that and here we are, I can’t believe it.”

    More from Sportsnet
    ‘What a series’: Sports world salutes Oilers, Panthers after epic Stanley Cup Final


    Desperate Panthers grind out first-ever Stanley Cup: ‘I wanted to feel it’

    Aleksander Barkov, the captain of the Florida Panthers, made a selfless and symbolic gesture during a recent game that has captured the hearts of hockey fans everywhere. In a moment that exemplified teamwork and camaraderie, Barkov passed the Stanley Cup to his teammate, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

    The exchange took place after a hard-fought victory against a tough opponent, and Barkov’s decision to pass the Cup to Bobrovsky was a powerful display of trust and support for his fellow player. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the unity and cohesion of the Panthers team, and it was a moment that will surely be remembered by fans for years to come.

    Barkov’s leadership on and off the ice has been instrumental in the Panthers’ success this season, and his decision to pass the Stanley Cup to Bobrovsky only further solidified his reputation as a true team player. The move also highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of every member of the team, regardless of their position or role.

    Bobrovsky, for his part, graciously accepted the Cup from Barkov, acknowledging the trust and confidence that his captain had placed in him. The moment was a reminder of the bonds that are forged between teammates in the heat of competition, and it served as a powerful example of sportsmanship and solidarity.

    As the Panthers continue their quest for the Stanley Cup, fans can take heart in knowing that their team is led by players like Aleksander Barkov, who understand the value of teamwork and who are willing to put the success of the team above their own individual accomplishments. With leaders like Barkov at the helm, the Panthers are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run and perhaps even bring home the ultimate prize – the Stanley Cup.