Sergei Bobrovsky

’s shutout in Game 4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs may have briefly quieted critics, but it hasn’t changed the reality of his underwhelming 2025

NHL

Playoff performance. Despite the

Florida Panthers

’ deep roster and strong postseason push, their highly paid goaltender has struggled with consistency raising eyebrows about his value in high-stakes moments. With a $10 million cap hit,

Bobrovsky

was expected to be the Panthers’ playoff cornerstone, yet it’s the team’s defensive structure and offensive firepower that are keeping Florida in contention, not their veteran netminder.

Sergei Bobrovsky’s Game 4 heroics, 22 saves in a shutout win earned headlines, but the broader picture of his 2025 playoff campaign is far less flattering. Entering the game, Bobrovsky carried a disappointing .888 save percentage through nine appearances, with five of those games falling below the .900 mark. Even after his best outing of the postseason, his save percentage in the second round sits at .875, a number that reflects more concern than confidence.

The Panthers' goaltender, who helped lead Florida to a Stanley Cup title last year, has yet to show that same championship-caliber form in this playoff stretch. His goals saved above expected (GSAx) remains at -1.6, ranking among the worst of any goalie with five or more postseason starts. Rather than being a stabilizing force, Bobrovsky’s performances have been unpredictable, prompting discussions around whether Florida is winning because of him, or in spite of him.

Much of the Panthers’ success so far can be attributed to their elite team play. Florida is allowing just 24 shots per game, the second-fewest in the postseason, and they’ve kept their goals-against average to an impressive 2.78. Offensively, they’re producing at a top-tier level, averaging 3.67 goals per game, fourth-best among playoff teams.While Bobrovsky delivered strong numbers during the regular season (.906 SP, 2.44 GAA), the postseason is where a franchise goaltender earns his reputation. So far, Florida’s playoff push has been defined more by their forward depth and blue-line discipline than by their $10 million goalie.Also Read: Vancouver Canucks name Adam Foote as new Head CoachThe Panthers remain a legitimate

Stanley Cup contender

, but the pressure is increasing. Bobrovsky doesn’t need to steal every game but with such a heavy price tag, his performances must start matching the stakes. Until then, Florida’s title hopes rest on a team built to win around its goaltender, not because of him.