Bobrovsky Leads Panthers to Shutout Victory Over Rangers, 3-0, in Eastern Conference Final Opener

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

In an impressive display, Sergei Bobrovsky blocked 23 shots to achieve his initial shutout of this year's playoffs, while Matthew Tkachuk played a pivotal role with a goal and an assist, propelling the Florida Panthers to a 3-0 win against the New York Rangers in the opening game of the Eastern Conference final.

With goals from Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett, the Panthers saw a strong offensive effort. Bobrovsky, having secured six shutouts in the regular season, notched his second in the playoffs.

The Rangers' goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, managed 24 saves. However, this effort was not enough to stop the team, which previously won the Presidents' Trophy, from facing their third defeat in four games, halting a winning streak of seven games.

The next game is scheduled for Friday night, taking place in New York.

Although the Panthers did not succeed in their two power play attempts, making their playoff record 9-for-43, the Rangers failed to use their single power play chance to their advantage.

A goal by Oliver Ekman-Larsson that would have increased Florida's lead was disallowed due to a goalie interference call following a collision between Ryan Lomberg and Shesterkin in the crease.

Despite several scoring opportunities by the Rangers, Bobrovsky's efforts kept them at bay. A pass from Verhaeghe to Tkachuk, which was deflected past Shesterkin, marked Verhaeghe's seventh goal of the playoffs.

With the Rangers opting for an additional attacker by pulling Shesterkin out, their efforts were thwarted by Bobrovsky. An empty-net goal by Bennett concluded the game in favor of the Panthers.

During the second period, Bobrovsky continued to deny the Rangers any scoring chances, mirroring Shester

New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers Game Stats

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