Despite the high stakes, Bobrovsky did not participate in the pre-practice routines, a deviation from his usual preparation. In his place, goaltenders Anthony Stolarz and Spencer Knight took to the ice, handling the duties throughout the session. This shift was first noted by reporter Tom Gulitti, highlighting a potential strategic or health-related decision by the team.
Bobrovsky's performance has been under scrutiny recently, particularly after a less-than-stellar showing in the Stanley Cup Final, where his team started strong with a 3-0 series lead but has since faced significant challenges. His declining save percentage, as evident from the stats below, mirrors the team's struggles:
Further stirring the pot, Bobrovsky was unavailable for comments after the Panthers' Game 6 loss on Friday night. The reasons behind his current status—whether it be an injury concern or a tactical pause for mental refocusing—remain undisclosed. His absence not only raises questions about his readiness for Game 7 but also about the overall morale and strategy of the team moving forward.
As the Panthers brace for a decisive showdown, all eyes will be on how they adapt to these last-minute challenges. Whether this disruption in their usual lineup will serve as a stumbling block or a galvanizing force remains to be seen in what promises to be a riveting climax to their season.
