The Florida Panthers set the tone for the Stanley Cup in Recreation 1 on Saturday evening with a 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to leap out to an early collection 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 throughout the Stanley Cup finals towards the Edmonton Oilers, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Dawn, Florida. (AP Photograph/Michael Laughlin)
Panthers star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 32 pictures from almost each angle, together with six alone from Oilers star Connor McDavid. Carter Verhaeghe and Evan Rodrigues have been capable of get pictures previous Stuart Skinner. Then, Eetu Luostarinen put the crowning glory on the sport.
“It’s enjoyable to play these guys, these elite guys and it’s a enjoyable ambiance,” Bobrovsky stated. “I’m simply alive for the chance, and I get pleasure from each second of it.”
The group on the Amerant Financial institution Space in Dawn, 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 collection lead within the Stanley Cup finals. It’s the crew’s third look within the collection.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse and Florida Panthers middle Evan Rodrigues combat for place throughout the first recreation of the Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Dawn, Fla. (AP Photograph/Wilfredo Lee)
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“We sort of know what it takes this 12 months,” Verhaeghe stated. “We all know how difficult it’s, the ups and downs of playoffs and the grind of it. I believe that makes us extra geared up this 12 months.”
The strain 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.
“Tons 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 all know that we will need to get even higher,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch stated. “There are issues we will have to have a look at and attempt to enhance these probabilities.”
Edmonton Oilers middle Connor McDavid sits on the ice after a tough hit throughout the Stanley Cup Finals towards the Florida Panthers, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Dawn. (AP Photograph/Wilfredo Lee)
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Recreation 2 is ready for Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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