Toronto Maple Leafs: Panthers’ Goaltending Excellence About to Backfire

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the Florida Panthers right where they want them. And it’s Florida’s greatest strength that will be their undoing.

The Toronto Maple Leafs can’t feel good about being in a 3-1 series hole. However, with momentum on their side and headed to Toronto, they should be optimistic about Game 5. Long term, the series may also be in reach.

Beginning in the opening round and continuing against the Leafs, the Panthers biggest strength throughout these playoffs has been their play between the pipes.

Specifically, the performance of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been outstanding.

Panthers’ Goaltending Excellence About to Backfire In Toronto Maple Leafs Favor

Bobrovsky is 6-2 throughout these playoffs. His play helped knock off the Boston Bruins, the NHL single-season wins and points record holder. Combined across both rounds, he has a .910 save percentage and a 3.00 goals-against average.

That all looks very positive for the Panthers and a reason for concern for Toronto. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs may not need to panic. Bobrovsky’s incredible production has meant that the Panthers have needed and relied on him to play the last seven consecutive games. Those minutes are going to start adding up.

The 34-year-old has already played 50 regular season contests. Spencer Knight was supposed to take on a bigger load but the 21-year-old was limited to just 21 games. In December, Knight began receiving care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Alex Lyon played in just 15 games, which has squarely left the burden of winning games on the shoulders of Bobrovsky.

The Panthers know that their path to success will need to be paved on pushing Bobrovsky to keep logging big minutes. They can’t turn to Lyon at this point. He was getting shelled every time he took the net against the Bruins. He was even pulled in the third period of Game 3 in that series.

Bobrovsky knows this and that he will need to remain sharp. That’s easier said than done. The more he plays, the greater the toll it takes on his body. That could also mean that the Panthers best and most important player may start slipping. With the puck travelling at great rates of speed through traffic, even just momentary lapses can be devastating. Being tired could do just that. The Toronto Maple Leafs know that they just need to win the next game. Extending the series, pushes Bobrovsky.

Some may think that Paul Maurice should have put Lyon in net for Game 4 to give their goalie a break and allow him to refresh. Instead, the Panthers coach played for the win to try and get his whole team some time off before Round 3. Perhaps, that was a mistake.

Note: Statistics are from Hockey Reference.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will need to take advantage of any opportunity that comes their way. Keep an eye on Bobrovsky and his level of play in the hockey to come.