Bobrovsky Helps Panthers Keep the Momentum Going

Good morning and happy Wednesday, May 3rd.

Today’s lineup:

• Bobrovsky leads Panthers over Leafs

• Kraken defeat Stars in OT despite Pavelski’s heroic return

• Selke & Lady Byng finalists announced

• And much more…

Nobody is snickering about how much the Florida Panthers are paying goalie Sergei Bobrovsky these days.

Bobrovsky, one of the NHL’s highest paid players at $10 million per season, tied a Panthers record by winning his fourth consecutive playoff game on Florida’s 4-2 defeat of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Game 2 is Thursday in Toronto.

The 34-year-old netminder made 34 saves en route to tying John Vanbiesbrouck’s 27-year-old team record.

But Bobrovsky was one of just several Panthers who stepped up Tuesday to help the Panthers continue their postseason momentum. Matthew Tkachuk had three assists to take over the NHL playoffs points lead with 14 in eight games. The three assists also tied the Panthers’ team record for assists in a playoff game.

Carter Verhaeghe scored his 11th playoff goal, passing Ray Sheppard and Dave Lowry for the most in Panthers history. His goal was also the game-winner. Verhaeghe has proven he’s clutch. His six game-winning playoff goals since the start of the 2022 playoffs are the most by any NHL player in that span.

Brandon Montour also picked up his sixth goal and ninth point of the postseason to tie Ed Jovanovski’s team record of nine points by a defenseman in a single playoff run.

The Panthers were also four-for-four on the penalty kill against Toronto.

🦑 Yanni Gourde scores overtime winner to power Kraken past the Stars 5-4 in game 1. It took a team effort but the Seattle Kraken were able to overcome Joe Pavelski’s heroic return to the Stars lineup, where the veteran center became the oldest player in NHL history to score four goals (see top shelf highlights) in a playoff game. The Kraken ended the 1st period up 4-2 thanks to goals from Jaden Schwartz, Justin Schultz, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Jordan Eberle only to see Pavelski erase their lead and force OT with two more goals in the 3rd. But Yanni Gourde ended Pavelski’s bid for five midway through the first overtime, turning around and slinging a wrister high to the short side past Jake Oettinger.

🏆 Selke and Lady Byng Trophy finalists announced. The Selke trophy, awarded to the forward voted best to excel in the defensive aspects of the game, is between Patrice Bergeron, Nico Hischier, and Mitch Marner. The Lady Byng trophy, awarded to the player voted best to combine sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability, is between Jack Hughes, Anze Kopitar, and Brayden Point. Winners will be announced on June 26 as part of the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Who led the Carolina Hurricanes in shots on goal this season?

• McDavid, Eichel set to face off in Western 2nd Round

• Golden Knights vs. Oilers 2nd round preview

• Hurricanes vs. Devils 2nd-round preview

• Will Oilers or Maple Leafs go deeper in playoffs?

• Conn Smythe Watch: Leaders for Stanley Cup playoff MVP

• NHL player prop trends to watch in round 2

• Snoop Dogg sees Senators ownership as tool to get kids ‘who look like me’ playing hockey

• Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy says better recovery needed

• Quenneville still needs clearance, but 'strong possibility' exists of NHL return

• Wild sign forward Marcus Johansson to two-year, $4 million deal

• 4️⃣ Joe Pavelski becomes oldest player to score 4 goals in Stanley Cup Playoff history

• 🔥 Matthew Knies ignites Leafs Nation with sensational 1st NHL playoff goal

• 🎯 Oliver Bjorkstrand with absolute snipe

• 🚫 Ilya Samsonov with beauty post-to-post save

• 🚀 Brandon Montour unleashes rocket from the point

• Flyers 1-on-1 inside the circle battle drill

• Toe drag + cross crease shot drill to score more goals

TRIVIA ANSWER

Brent Burns led the Carolina Hurricanes with 255 shots on goal this season.