Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Bobrovsky: Chose Panthers to win Stanley Cup

Written by 
Published in Hockey
Wednesday, 03 July 2019 05:46

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Sergei Bobrovsky already has two Vezina Trophies, the award presented at the end of each season to the NHL's top goaltender.

He's not looking for a third.

For the Florida Panthers' new goalie, only one trophy matters now.

Bobrovsky and Florida's three other free-agent signings -- defenseman Anton Stralman, and forwards Brett Connolly and Noel Acciari -- put on their new Panthers sweaters for the first time Tuesday in their official introduction to South Florida. When they're back to begin training camp in just over two months, the Stanley Cup will be the singular goal for the long-struggling Panthers.

"It doesn't matter what you win individually," Bobrovsky said. "Hockey's a team sport and it's all about the Cup. Only one team can win the Cup each season. That's my main goal. That's what I want to do. That's why I am here now. I believe in this team. I believe in this group."

Bobrovsky was the Panthers' biggest acquisition this summer, at least from a player sense. Florida's offseason began with a coaching change and the hiring of three-time Stanley Cup champion Joel Quenneville, who said having a great goaltender is "the biggest ingredient" when putting together a team that can truly win a title.

And the Panthers think they got the best goalie in the game, someone who led the NHL with nine shutouts last season and then backstopped Columbus to a stunning sweep of Tampa Bay in the opening round of the playoffs -- after the Lightning were far and away the league's best team during the regular season.

"Sergei, we know the importance of goaltending," Quenneville said. "He comes in and gives us a No. 1 goalie that can play big games. He's going to play a lot of hockey here. We know how goaltending can influence a game and we know how goaltending can win in the playoffs as well. So he's excited about this opportunity."

Bobrovsky was long believed to be Florida's top free-agent target, and it was widely presumed that he would pick the Panthers. He decided last week that he would indeed sign with Florida, and a $70 million, seven-year offer got it done.

"With the bright future this team has, with the great coach, with the great management, and with the really talented group of guys I'm excited to be here," Bobrovsky said. "I think we can make something special here."

Bobrovsky will replace Roberto Luongo as Florida's No. 1 goaltender, following Luongo's retirement. Sam Montembeault, who made his first 10 NHL starts last season with the Panthers, is likely going be the backup.

Florida has missed the playoffs in 16 of the last 18 seasons, hasn't won a playoff series since 1996 and will have had 16 coaches in 26 seasons when Quenneville makes his debut. But the Panthers touted a promising young core for years, had one of the NHL's top offenses last season and believe Bobrovsky will be the difference-maker on the defensive end of the ice now.

"It's a process," Bobrovsky, 30, said. "It's not going to be easy. Nobody says this is going to be smooth and nice. We're going to have to overcome some adversity. But those things will make us stronger."

Read 492 times

Soccer

NL game abandoned after Kosovo players walk off

NL game abandoned after Kosovo players walk off

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe UEFA Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo was suspen...

Ghana fail to reach AFCON for 1st time since '04

Ghana fail to reach AFCON for 1st time since '04

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGhana failed to reach the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time...

Chawinga available as KC seeks NWSL final berth

Chawinga available as KC seeks NWSL final berth

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKansas City Current forward and 2024 NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: NBA discussing tourney-style AS Game

Sources: NBA discussing tourney-style AS Game

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe NBA is in serious discussions on a new tournament-style format...

Jokic (personal) out for Denver's NBA Cup opener

Jokic (personal) out for Denver's NBA Cup opener

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThree-time league MVP Nikola Jokic will miss the Denver Nuggets' NB...

Baseball

Low and inside: O's will again alter LF dimensions

Low and inside: O's will again alter LF dimensions

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBALTIMORE -- The Orioles are ready to adjust their wall in left fie...

Dodgers' Graterol (shoulder) to sit first half of '25

Dodgers' Graterol (shoulder) to sit first half of '25

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Dodgers right-hander Brusdar Graterol will miss the...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated