'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Paul Maurice explains Sergei Bobrovsky pull-out after Panthers goalie conceded 5 goals
The Edmonton Oilers bounced back in a big way against Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday. They won 8-1 to avoid being swept as Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner was stellar in net, saving 32 of 33 shots.
However, the story on the other end was the early exit of Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. He got the start for Florida but was pulled by coach Paul Maurice after allowing five goals on just 16 shots. Bobrovsky's replacement Anthony Stolarz stopped 17 of 18 shots in relief.
After the game, Maurice explained his decision to pull Sergei Bobrovsky so early.
“He’d had enough. If you think you’re mounting a comeback, rarely does the goalie make a difference for you. There’s something that happens at the other end of the ice," Maurice said.
“He comes in, and he’s going to battle his butt off. “It was great for him to get in. There are not a lot of silver linings here, people, but ‘Bob’ got some rest. I’ll take that. He’s played an awful lot of hockey. My number on Bob’s probably five in general. That was the decision.” Maurice said
Mattias Janmark, Adam Henrique, Dylan Holloway, Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (two goals), Darnell Nurse and Ryan McLeod scored for the Oilers. Vladimir Tarasenko scored for the Panthers.
When asked about the Oilers, Maurice said:
"Yeah, they got good players and they scored. And they should. They will get confidence from that.
"They'll feel good, right? And then the puck's going to drop. I'm not saying they aren't going to feel good the next game. I'm just—the puck drops and everything changes then."
Matthew Tkachuk came in defense of Sergei Bobrovsky
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk came to the defense of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky after he was pulled in Game 4. Despite the poor performance, Tkachuk absolved Bobrovsky of blame.
“He’s been unbelievable all year, all playoffs,” Tkachuk said. “That was more of a wake-up call to the forwards and the ‘D’ as opposed to (him). It had nothing to do with Bob. It was more of a wake-up call to everybody.”
Tkachuk added that he expects Sergei Bobrovsky to rebound:
"None of the goals were his fault. I still thought he made some unreal saves.”
Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues echoed Tkachuk's sentiments:
“He’s the ultimate pro. I expect him to bounce back. I wouldn’t expect anything less and I’m looking forward to it.”
The Panthers are leading the series 3-1 against the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final ahead of Game 5 in Florida.
Trending
