Prior to Game 3 in Sunrise, Florida, a former New York Rangers goaltending legend sits in the Connecticut-based ESPN studios watching his former team, the New York Rangers, battle the Florida Panthers in the 2024 NHL Playoffs. Henrik Lundqvist sits next to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to break down the action in between playoff hockey periods. However, if you squint really hard, you might see a carbon copy of that iconic NY brick wall turned sportscaster blocking the NY net.
That Russian goalie routinely has his name serenaded by the Madison Square Garden faithful with New Yorkers bellowing “IGOR – IGOR – IGOR” from every seat in the metropolitan train station. On the other end of the ice stands a veteran netminder with a potential hall-of-fame resume lacking a certain shimmering championship.
Igor Shesterkin has opened eyes all around the NHL since he arrived in New York at the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign. Bobrovsky was entrenched as a top-tier goalie in the league by the time. Almost five years later, both Russian goalies have cemented themselves as two of the top goalies between the pipes at the highest level of competition in ice hockey, entering Game 3 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.
Bobrovsky Rewards Florida’s Patience Over Last 2 Years
As a lifelong hometown Philadelphia Flyers supporter, this paragraph is going to suck to write. GULP. Here goes.
The long-suffering carousel in Philadelphia actually HAD the long-desired answer in net many moons ago. However, impatience prompted change after Sergei Bobrovsky spent a year backing up Ilya Bryzgalov, who signed a long-term contract the prior offseason. Rightfully so, “Bob” demanded playing time and was traded to Columbus just two years into his now-accomplished career. I’m…uh…I’m going to go have a good cry for a bit.
In Ohio, Bobrobsky would win the league’s best goalie of the season award, the Vezina Trophy, in 2013 and 2017. He also ranked among the top 10 in various goaltending statistical categories over the next few seasons.
The Russian goal would move on from Columbus by signing a long-term contract of his own with the Florida Panthers in July 2019. After a rough start to the contract for the franchise overall, things have stabilized during the middle stages of the sizeable deal. Bob was recently named a finalist for the 2024 Vezina trophy after a 36-17-4 season for Florida.
In 77 NHL playoff starts, Bobrovsky is 38-39 with a solid 2.88 goals against average. He has stopped 91% of the almost 2,500 shots he has faced in post-season action. Last season, Bobrovsky led the Panthers to the brink of claiming the Stanley Cup before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2023 NHL Finals in five games.
Will Bobrovsky finally get his hands on that 34.5-pound glimmering Silver Trophy in a few weeks? In order to have the chance, he will need to help the Panthers slow down a very powerful NY Rangers offensive attack in Game 3 (and the rest of the series).
No Spotlight Is Too Bright On Broadway for Igor
Standing in the way of “Bob” on his crusade toward the Stanley Cup is a formidable goalie with a sparkling resume as well. A two-time All-star, Igor Shesterkin, has made an instant impact in New York in his 200 starts. His 65% win rate and 92% save percentage have given opposing teams fits since Igor arrived on Broadway in 2019.
Like his Russian counterpart, Shesterkin has also claimed the Vezina award with a jaw-dropping .935 save percentage in 2022. That mark is only slightly bested by two other goalies who have played 50 or more games in a season EVER. Tim Thomas is the clubhouse leader with a .938 save percentage, while Dominik Hasek sits in second place with a .937 total save percentage.
In 40 playoff games, Shesterkin sports a 22-17 record for New York, allowing 2.38 goals/game and still featuring an insane, improved 93% save percentage during the most intense hockey available on the planet. Can the Panthers conquer the Shesterkin challenge in Game 3 and seize control of the series again?
Game 3 and Game 4 Rat-Infested Party in South Florida
After stealing Game 1 with the 3-0 shutout, the Florida Panthers seized home-ice advantage in the series. Now, the Cats get to experience the nightmare-inducing, rat-flying party atmosphere in Sunrise, FL for Game 3 (and Game 4 on Tuesday). The series is tied at one game, with each team winning a game in the Big Apple.
Game 3 is scheduled for 3 pm EST on Sunday. 05/26/2024.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. Additional insightful sports articles are located here. He can be located on X for real-time takes (@CBabosWrites).
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