Line a fine wine, Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky seems to be getting better with age.
Florida signed Bobrovsky to a massive seven-year, $70 million deal during the summer of 2019, comfortable that despite Bob being 30 years old at the time, that he’d continue performing at a high level into his mid-to-late 30s.
It’s not often that happens with goalies, but there aren’t many who have the same kind of work ethic that Bobrovsky possesses.
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The combination of Bobrovsky’s quickness and athleticism with how the Panthers employ a five-man defensive system have led to a couple spectacular seasons and playoff runs for Bob.
Last season Bobrovsky was one of three finalists for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top goaltender.
He was arguably Florida’s best and most consistent player in each of their runs to the past two Stanley Cup Finals.
Bobrovsky will be 36 years old when the 2024-25 season begins, his sixth with the Panthers.
There is no reason to think his level of play is going to fall off as he continues what will almost certainly end up being a Hall of Fame career.
Earlier this week, NHL.com ran a piece in which they previewed a debate to be held on NHL Network discussing the league’s top goalies.
A few options were named, including Bobrovsky, along with the likes of Igor Shesterkin, Thatcher Demko, Juuse Saros, Andrei Vasilevskiy and last year’s Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck.
Ultimately, Bobrovsky came up seventh on the list, and that’s nothing to sneeze at, considering the names that come before and after him.
The fact that Bobrovsky is still playing at such a high level speaks volumes to the kind of person and athlete he is.
It’s nice to see him getting the recognition on a grand scale that’s he’s been enjoying over the past couple of seasons, but success will do that.
Personal success is one thing, but doing it while lifting your team up with you is what separates the good from the great.
Bobrovsky is proving he’s one of those guys, and he’s doing it well past what should be his prime.
Now it’s just a matter of seeing what else Bob has up his sleeve before he hangs up his skates.
Bet against him at your own peril.
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