Bobrovsky to make season debut vs. Blackhawks

Florida Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky will make his season debut Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks after being deemed unfit to play in the Panthers' opener.

"He had a great summer, offseason, came into camp ready to go, just got slowed down a little bit there at the start," Florida head coach Joel Quenneville said Tuesday, according to team reporter Jameson Olive. "I think he's come back and looks as sharp as he did going into it. He's more than ready."

Bobrovsky, 32, is entering his second season with the Panthers after inking a 7-year, $70-million pact with the club in July 2019.

The two-time Vezina Trophy winner endured the worst campaign of his career in 2019-20, posting a 3.23 goals-against average, a .900 save percentage, and -14.51 goals saved above average.

Despite his rocky debut in the Sunshine State, Bobrovsky's teammates remain confident in his abilities and are eager for him to return to the net.

"We're very excited to see him," Florida forward Noel Acciari said, according to Olive. "He's been working very hard this offseason. We've been skating with him for months now. Seeing all the hard work he's put in, I know he's ready, and we're excited to have him and have our brick wall back there."

Backup netminder Chris Driedger made 25 saves in the Panthers' season-opening 5-2 victory over the Blackhawks on Sunday.

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