Bobrovsky wins 400th career game, Panthers beat Rangers 3-1 in Eastern Conference Finals rematch

By ALLAN KREDA The Associated Press

Florida Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky (72) stops a shot by New York Rangers' Jonny Brodzinski (22) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Frank Franklin II]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky made 24 saves for his 400th career win, and the Florida Panthers defeated the New York Rangers 3-1 on Thursday.

Anton Lundell and Carter Verhaeghe scored early first-period goals for Florida. Lundell opened the scoring 44 seconds in, beating Igor Shesterkin alone in the slot. Verhaeghe added to the Panthers’ lead at the 2:42 mark.

Alexis Lafreniere scored 4:44 into the game to halve Florida’s early lead, but it was the only time New York beat Bobrovsky. Sam Bennett gave the Panthers a two-goal lead 6:59 into the second period.

Florida held on to win in a rematch of last spring’s Eastern Conference Final, which the Panthers won in six games.

Shesterkin finished with 26 saves for the Rangers.

New York Rangers' Alexis Lafrenière (13) looks away from Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) and A.J. Greer (10) after scoring during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Frank Franklin II

Takeaways

New York: The Rangers lost in regulation for the first time after a 5-0-1 start.

Florida: The Panthers improved to 3-2-0 on the road after finishing with an Eastern Conference-best 26-10-5 away record last season.

Key moment

Bobrovsky denied Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski on a breakaway at 5:47 of the first, then made a pad save on Filip Chytil at 6:35. He also stopped Chris Kreider from in close at 15:20 of the opening period.

Key stats

Bobrovsky became the 14th goaltender in NHL history to reach the 400-win milestone. The 36-year-old netminder, in his sixth season with the Panthers, has a career record of 400-226-56 in 15 seasons. Bobrovsky is the fastest goaltender to win 400 games, reaching the milestone in 707 contests. He needs two wins to pass Chris Osgood for 13th on the all-time wins list.

Rangers forward Artemi Panarin entered the game leading the team with 13 points, including six goals. He was awarded a late assist on New York’s only goal in an official scoring change.

Up next

The Rangers host the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, while the Panthers will remain in New York to play the Islanders on Saturday.

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This story has been corrected to show Rangers forward Artemi Panarin earned an assist in official scoring change.

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