5 reasons why Columbus Blue Jackets will win Stanley Cup
2. Sergei Bobrovsky
Goaltenders are like a box of chocolates — you usually don’t know what you’re going to get. But an elite goaltender is like a unicorn, because they’re mythical creatures and they’re magical. Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky is the Blue Jackets’ secret weapon. Just about every team in the Eastern Conference is either concerned or unsure about their goaltending.
The Blue Jackets, however, have no reason to be worried about Bobrovsky. He’s been their cornerstone this season. When the Blue Jackets couldn’t score goals, Bobrovsky did enough to consistently keep them in games. He helped them win numerous games they probably shouldn’t have won.
Bobrovsky’s been quite consistent, notching a .920 save percentage in the first-half and a .921 save percentage in the second-half. At home, he’s been darn near unstoppable with a .929 save percentage. While the Blue Jackets don’t have home-ice advantage, they still get three home games in a seven-game series.
Obviously, he has issues with the Penguins. Bobrovsky had a .898 save percentage against them last year in the first-round. Over his career, he has an 11-7-5 record with a .909 save percentage. Bobrovsky’s got to confront that pink elephant in the room. And chances are, he’s going to have to do it in the second round if the Blue Jackets make it that far.
This is just a bit of adversity Bobrovsky’s going to have to face. The Blue Jackets have overcome adversity throughout this season. Now it’s Bobrovsky’s turn. And he’s got a hot team in front of him ready to give him some help.