Bobrovsky Shuts Out Leafs as Panthers Tie Series with Game 4 Win
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By Nemanja Petković
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Summary:
- Sergei Bobrovsky stopped all 23 shots for his fifth career playoff shutout in a 2-0 Florida Panthers win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Verhaeghe and Bennett provided the goals as Florida evened the series
- Tensions rose late, with multiple misconducts and an injury scare for Evan Rodrigues.
The Florida Panthers stuck to their tried-and-true playoff blueprint Sunday night, grabbing the lead after two periods, then leaning on Sergei Bobrovsky and rock-solid defense to close the game. Once again, their strategy paid off.
Bobrovsky turned away all 23 shots he faced for his fifth career playoff shutout, while Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett each found the back of the net in a 2-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4.
With the victory, Florida tied the Eastern Conference semifinal series at two games apiece.
Bobrovsky: “It’s a Big Game, Next One.”
The Panthers have now won 25 straight playoff games when leading after two periods — a streak that began all the way back in May 2022.
It’s a series. The bigger games are ahead, so we’re excited about them. The series comes down to a best-of-three, so it’s a big game, next one.
Home teams have defended their turf so far, with the Leafs taking the first two in Toronto before Florida answered back in Sunrise. The series shifts back north for Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Coach Berube: “We Had Looks”
Despite being shut out, the Leafs had their chances.
We had looks. They’re doing a good job of swarming us with numbers, obviously. It’s a battle out there. This is what it is. They don’t give you a lot.
Carter Verhaeghe broke through on Florida’s fourth power play of the game, finishing off a slick pass from Matthew Tkachuk that snuck through the slot and two defenders. It was a clinical one-timer, and it gave the Panthers early momentum.
The Panthers came out flying, registering 21 of the game’s first 26 shots and pinning Toronto in their own zone. Joseph Woll stood tall for most of the night, making 35 saves in a strong performance.
He was great. He played an excellent game.
Bennett later sealed it, taking matters into his own hands after seeing no passing lane. Driving toward the net, he waited for Woll to bite before calmly tucking the puck in and celebrating with a fist pump.
That was more like the type of Panthers playoff hockey that we’re used to.
Rodrigues and Ekman-Larsson Clashed
Tensions flared in the third period. Oliver Ekman-Larsson hit Evan Rodrigues in the head and neck area, initially drawing a major penalty that was downgraded to a minor after review. Rodrigues will be evaluated further on Monday.
As the clock ran out, chaos ensued, as four players, including Toronto’s Max Domi and Bobby McMann, and Florida’s Aaron Ekblad and birthday boy Brad Marchand, were handed 10-minute misconducts.
“I think he’ll be all right,” coach Paul Maurice said of Barkov, who was boarded late in the game.
Who will take an advantage in the tie? Can the Panthers continue their winning streak? Get the best hockey odds on all games right here.
