Rachit Davydov now works as a goalkeeper coach at Lokomotiv. Nose Bobrovsky he worked for the Russian national team for many years and, as a professional in his field, in an interview with spoke about Sergey’s game in these NHL playoffs.
Previously, Bobrovsky set Florida’s record for most shots saved in a Stanley Cup game (63) and was also recognized as the first star in meetings two and three of the semi-final series against Carolina. . Sergey also became the second in the list of oldest goaltenders (34 years 244 days) who managed to come back to zero for the first time in their career in the NHL playoffs.
“Sergei’s strength is in his mentality”
– What do you think of Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance in this Stanley Cup? He didn’t even start the playoffs as Florida’s number one goaltender.
– It was this situation that he started this playoff in the reserve that stimulated Bobrovsky. He got angry in a good way, got even more motivation, although Sergey was always okay with that. But can you imagine how affected an experienced adult goalkeeper is by the very moment they are not playing.
And when Serega entered the net in Game 3 of the first round with Boston, I understood his condition: he was now going to tear and throw and not give up his people! And now we see that Bobrovsky came out of a difficult situation with honor.
Sergei is always ready for some kind of challenge. He has the right direction in life. Of course, as a professional goalkeeper he doesn’t stand still, he is constantly developing. But above all, Bobrovsky pumps the mental component. He grows as a person and as a personality. All his strength lies in his mentality.
– Some illustrative examples on Bobrovsky. First, he does not shine on social networks. Secondly, Sergey avoids hype. It is more important for him to walk along the ocean and meet the Florida sunset in the lotus position than to read the news on the phone.
– Indeed, the moments are significant. We talked about it with Sergey when his career with the Panthers was just beginning. And these seasons have not been easy. There was a lot of hype surrounding him and his contract. And it was disturbing and distracting. Certainly!
I then shared with Sergey my vision of a difficult situation: “Miracles are expected of you, like a superhero. Florida signed an expensive goaltender and now everyone wants to see how you are going to get absolutely all the pucks, playing just zero. It is from this that you need to protect yourself, save yourself and your head, so that thoughts are directed exclusively to work.
It was necessary to put aside all the high expectations of the club, the supporters and not get involved in this match staged in the press, warming up the supporters. In fact, they saw a magician in Bobrovsky. But the goalkeeper’s success lies not in tricks, but in painstaking daily work.
Sergey managed not to deviate from his straight path, and he’s a great guy. Sergey managed to get away from the noise, into the shadow of information, showing himself only on the ice. Bobrovsky kept his mental balance, his game went up again.
“Bobrovsky catches pucks and does not juggle sentences”
– A seven-year contract for 70 million dollars did not crush him.
– I admire Sergey’s interviews, which rarely catch my eye. When Bobrovsky says something, he comes across as a modest, reserved guy who doesn’t stand out in an interview. Although he has two Vezina trophies in his home museum (the title of the NHL’s top goaltender), he just had a great game. Anyway, Sergey is very short and reasonable, he spends his energy, strength and load on the ice. His interviews are very balanced and seasoned, they contain only simple and correct words. And this is a good example for all young goalkeepers, how to behave, save for the main activity. You have to catch pucks, not juggle phrases.
– It is worth noting that in the KHL and in the Russian national team you cannot talk with goalkeepers during the tournament. Only after the playoffs. But Bobrovsky in the NHL calmly talks to reporters after each game. For what?
— It’s hard to say and I hardly follow the Russian press. In our media space, hockey stories themselves are presented in a different light than in America. You’ve read the title and it’s no longer interesting to read further.
And in the NHL, the work of the media is put in flow, everything is more accessible and open there. There are no taboos or prohibitions associated with players. If you become the first star of the match, then you go to the journalists. And it doesn’t matter your role – striker or goalkeeper.
And I understand that Bobrovsky cannot be pissed off with an uncomfortable question. He has a very high mental preparation. Sergei is already an experienced adult who has matured as a person. A young goalkeeper with a weak mind can lose his mental balance. But for Bobrovsky it is impossible to get under the skin. He answers with simple and understandable sentences. He is not a momentary person, but a deep person. And it makes no noise. And age also affects – he is 34 years old and the fact that he has become a father.
– On October 7, 2021, a daughter was born in the Bobrovsky family, who was named Karolina.
– For a man, this is a very important moment in life in terms of psychological development.
“Bobrovsky’s most incredible match for the national team was at the World Cup”
– What episodes of teamwork with Sergei Bobrovsky do you remember? For example, Bob was called up to the 2021 World Championship in Riga, and there he found himself in goal immediately in the quarter-finals against Canada (1:2 OT).
— It was a difficult moment, especially after the arrival we had to spend some time in covid-quarantine. But Sergei’s attitude to the national team always admired. Bobrovsky came to play for the country in all circumstances, he devoted himself entirely to the game.
And that his arrival in Riga was, I’m not afraid of this word, heroic. Sergei understood why he joined. He must come after the end of the NHL season in order to play immediately in the playoffs without practice and after the flight. Unprepared – against Canada.
Nevertheless, Bobrovsky went there, did all the work. It’s the act of a real man with a capital letter. Without chatter or hype: “Need help? I’m flying.” Silently stood at the door and did all he could. It shows our Russian mentality. “The power is in there, brother.” Inner spirit and confidence that you are doing the right thing.
– And what is Bobrovsky’s most incredible match for the national team with you?
— It’s the 2016 World Cup in Toronto. A group game against the North American All-Stars, where Bobrovsky made 43 saves, although Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Nathan McKinnon attacked his door…
Sergei played powerfully throughout the tournament. It’s still September, the NHL season hasn’t even started. But Bobrovsky was in top form, being in posh condition. And this match was his advantage.
– The Russian team then won (4-3) and qualified for the playoffs.
– It was just a top. And the game itself took place on the eve of Sergei’s birthday, it is also remembered. Bobrovsky at this World Cup thrilled with his hockey.
– Which team is more inconvenient for Bob – “Carolina”, which must be pressed in the series, or perhaps “Vegas” or “Dallas”?
– “Carolina” is a very serious and unpleasant test for any goalkeeper. I think this team won’t give up even with the score 0-3 in the series. But if “Florida” with Bobrovsky can pass it, then in the final it does not matter who to play with – with “Vegas” or “Dallas”. Psychologically, it will be easier, because Sergey and his Panthers will have even more inspiration and courage. Everyone understands that there are four stages left before the Stanley Cup.
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
