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Bobrovsky benched after struggling performance in Game 4 for the Panthers
  • 2024 Stanley Cup Final - Oilers vs. Panthers, Game coverage - story
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    Bobrovsky benched after struggling performance in Game 4 for the Panthers

    Over the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final, Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky allowed just four goals. Over two periods in Game 4, he more than doubled his total.

    The Panthers’ starter was pulled in favour of backup Anthony Stolarz on Saturday night after allowing five goals on 16 shots.

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    With the Panthers leading the series 3-0, and Bobrovsky being a key factor in those three wins, the 35-year-old Russian has been making a strong case to be the leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

    But just five minutes into the second period of Game 4, Panthers coach Paul Maurice pulled Bobrovsky after Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse scored to put his team up 5-1.

    As Stolarz replaced him, the Edmonton crowd taunted Bobrovsky on the bench by chanting “Sergei! Sergei!”

    The 30-year-old Stolarz is making his playoff debut. He posted a 2.03 goals-against average and .925 save percentage in 25 games during the regular season.

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    In a surprising move, Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was benched after a struggling performance in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The decision to pull Bobrovsky came after he allowed four goals on just 14 shots in the first period, putting the Panthers in a deep hole early in the game.

    Bobrovsky, who signed a seven-year, $70 million contract with the Panthers in the summer of 2019, has had a disappointing season so far. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has struggled to find his form and has been inconsistent throughout the playoffs.

    Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville made the decision to bench Bobrovsky in favor of backup goaltender Chris Driedger, who came in and played well, stopping all 11 shots he faced in relief. Despite Driedger’s strong performance, the Panthers were unable to mount a comeback and ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 6-2.

    This benching raises questions about Bobrovsky’s future with the Panthers and whether he will be able to bounce back from his struggles. With the Panthers facing elimination in Game 5, Quenneville will have a tough decision to make regarding who will start in goal.

    Overall, Bobrovsky’s benching serves as a reminder of the high-pressure nature of playoff hockey and the importance of consistent goaltending in order to succeed in the postseason. Only time will tell if Bobrovsky will be able to regain his form and help lead the Panthers to victory in Game 5.