The Florida Panthers set the tone for the Stanley Cup in Game 1 on Saturday evening with a 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to leap out to an early sequence lead.
The goal-scoring was one factor, however the goal-stopping was one other.
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Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky falls to the ice through the Stanley Cup finals in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Panthers star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 32 photographs from almost each angle, together with six alone from Oilers star Connor McDavid. Carter Verhaeghe and Evan Rodrigues had been in a position to get photographs previous Stuart Skinner. Then, Eetu Luostarinen put the of completion on the sport.
“It’s enjoyable to play these guys, these elite guys and it’s a enjoyable environment,” Bobrovsky stated. “I’m simply alive for the chance, and I take pleasure in each second of it.”
The crowd on the Amerant Bank Area in Sunrise, Florida, shouted cheers for the veteran goaltender as he made save after save.
For the primary time in franchise historical past, the Panthers have a sequence lead within the Stanley Cup finals. It’s the workforce’s third look within the sequence.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse and Florida Panthers heart Evan Rodrigues struggle for place through the first recreation of the Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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“We type of know what it takes this 12 months,” Verhaeghe stated. “We understand how difficult it’s, the ups and downs of playoffs and the grind of it. I feel that makes us extra geared up this 12 months.”
The stress will definitely flip up on McDavid and the remainder of his Oilers teammates. The three-time Hart Trophy winner is lastly within the Stanley Cup finals in his ninth season within the NHL.
“Lots to love,” McDavid stated. “We didn’t quit an excessive amount of, (however) what we did quit was harmful.”
Edmonton out-shot Florida 32-18.
“We know that we’ll should get even higher,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch stated. “There are issues we’ll have to take a look at and attempt to enhance these probabilities.”
Edmonton Oilers heart Connor McDavid sits on the ice after a tough hit through the Stanley Cup Finals in opposition to the Florida Panthers, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Sunrise. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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Game 2 is ready for Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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