Return of ‘Big Game’ Bobrovsky gives Panthers a chance against Islanders

Over the course of the past few seasons, Sergei Bobrovsky put his team on his back and carried them into the playoffs.

Bobrovsky did not get that opportunity with the Florida Panthers in 2020.

He will get the chance to shine starting Saturday against the New York Islanders.

The Panthers hope to get the ‘Big Game Bob’ who stoned the Tampa Bay Lightning as he helped the Columbus Blue Jackets to a stunning sweep in the first round last spring.

That was Bobrovsky’s first — and only — postseason series win as a goalie.

He learned a lot about himself in that series, he says, and the Panthers could use that game of his Saturday when their Stanley Cup qualifier against the Islanders starts in Toronto.

“It’s a different season, everything is different,” said Bobrovsky, who left Columbus last July to sign a seven-year, $70 million deal with the Panthers.