Insider: Panthers Have "Uncertainty" About Sergei Bobrovsky

Sergei Bobrovsky was one of the biggest reasons the Florida Panthers pulled out a victory in Game 1 of their second-round meeting with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He absolutely stoned them in the waning minutes and throughout several power play chances during the game. 

But on his 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman outlines why the one word that still best sums up the Panthers' feelings about Bobrovsky is "uncertainty."

The one thing that I know the Panthers have felt with him, is uncertainty. At times they haven't been able to figure out why it hasn't gone right. And at other times, when it has gone right, they haven't been able to figure out how to keep it. So, I think there's this feeling of, 'let's just ride it as long as we can, hope it lasts for 11 more wins, and see where this takes us. 

I've been told that one of the things that has kind of frustrated them about the whole Bobrovsky experience is, there's no rhyme or reason at times as to why he's going right or why he's going wrong. 

Perhaps that's a positive for Maple Leafs fans to take out of that Game 1 performance: the Panthers themselves worry that Bobrovsky's dominance just may come to an end at any moment. 

What further illustrates Florida's feelings on the former 2-time Vezina winner, as cited by Friedman, is the fact that they signed 22-year-old former first-round pick Spencer Knight to a big 3-year extension before the season. "So they're obviously saying, 'hey, we're not sure that Bobrovsky's our guy'."

At the moment, Bobrovsky will continue to be their guy, as he's riding a four-game playoff winning streak, having knocked off the mighty Boston Bruins, and now leading the favored Maple Leafs, 1-0. Game 2 of the series goes Thursday night in Toronto. 

Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports