George Richards, FHN Publisher
SUNRISE — When asked whether he was playing for the Florida Panthers on Thursday night in the final regular season game, Sergei Bobrovsky did not have an answer.
”Honest,’’ he said, “I do not know.”
It has been over two weeks since Bobrovsky has played for the Panthers after he was hit was a nasty illness leading up to what was his final start to date on March 27 in Ottawa.
Alex Lyon took over as Florida’s starter first out of necessity as Bobrovsky got better. Now, it is based on his performance.
Lyon has simply been terrific, leading the Panthers out of that losing streak to the tune of six consecutive wins and a seven-game (6-0-1) point streak which earned them a spot in the playoffs.
But where does that leave Bobrovsky?
”I am excited to be back,” Bobrovsky told Florida Hockey Now on Wednesday morning.
“I am getting ready and waiting for my chance. I am happy for Alex and happy for us. This is a big deal and it did not come easy.
“It was a learning process for us. This league is so hard. We did a good job to earn a chance to compete and have fun. We’re starting from scratch.’’
Florida lost Bobrovsky’s last game 5-2 in what was the team’s fourth consecutive defeat.
For a team in a playoff race, that appeared to be the death of their season.
Bobrovsky’s health got much worse following that game and Alex Lyon was told he would have to start in Toronto.
While the Panthers did not appear to be all that eager to snap their losing streak despite a public ripping from both Keith Tkachuk that morning and coach Paul Maurice during a timeout in the second period, Lyon kept the Panthers in the fight.
Then Sam Reinhart scored in the final minute to force overtime where Brandon Montour won it.
Lyon has not given up the net and appears to be Florida’s starter when the playoffs begin next week as his 6-0-1 run has propelled the Panthers to the postseason.
”The guys did a great job,’’ Bobrovsky said. “Alex stepped in and did a great job. It has given me some energy, some excitement. I am excited to be back.”
Any animosity toward Lyon?
”We are on the same team,’’ Bobrovsky continued, “and goalies are a big part of any team in hockey. This is all about the success of the team and I have always been friendly and worked with my colleagues throughout my career whether I was younger or older. It is a big thing to build a good relationship, a professional relationship. It only helps the team.”
While Maurice is not saying who will start Thursday much less Game 1, it would not be a stretch to think Lyon goes again after giving up two goals — one deflected, one a breakaway in overtime — to the high-flying Maple Leafs on Monday night.
“I don’t think it is critical,” Maurice said when asked if it was imperative Bobrovsky get a start after so much time away. “Not first-and-foremost.”
That said, the Panthers know they need Bobrovsky to stay ready and be at the top of his game if and when he is called upon.
Whenever and whatever the situation may be.
”He wants that net,” Maurice said. “He would not be in the league if that was not his character. When Spencer took the ball in November, Sergei worked at it and was great with Spencer. Then when he went back in, he was pretty damned good.
“All three of our goalies have had stretches where they have been good when we needed them to be. The longest run I ever had to the Stanley Cup Final, I had both goaltenders.”
As for Bobrovsky, it has been a rough couple of weeks.
The illness took a toll on his body with the Panthers’ medical staff keeping him filled with fluids and working him back to full health.
Bobrovsky, for the record, says he feels great again.
”I am back and I feel good,” he said. “I have definitely have missed out the past few weeks but it feels nice to be back around the guys.”
Last weekend, Florida cleared Bobrovsky to rejoin the team on a fulltime basis as Lyon’s backup as he traveled with the team to Washington.
This will be his third game back after he spent much of last week practicing while Mack Guzda backed up Lyon.