By the Numbers: The 72 Standard—Sergei Bobrovsky and the Pulse of a Panthers Powerhouse
In the NHL, number “72” used to be just another high digit on a training camp sweater. That changed when Sergei Bobrovsky made it his own; the goalie who has helped redefined the Florida Panthers. Whether stone-walling a breakaway, hoisting the Stanley Cup, or dropping the gloves 200 feet down the ice, "Bob" is clearly a Florida Panthers icon.
The Road to Florida’s Crease
Bobrovsky’s journey started far from the bright lights of the Florida crease. After going undrafted, he broke into the NHL with Philadelphia before—arguably—finding stardom in Columbus. As a Columbus Blue Jacket, he was awarded the Vezina Trophy on two occasions (2013, 2017). While he led a Columbus sweep of the Lightning in 2019, the ultimate prize—the Stanley Cup—remained elusive until he moved to Florida.
Building a Dynasty
Bob didn’t just join Florida; he turned them into a juggernaut. He’s been the backbone of three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances, hoisting the Cup in 2024 and 2025. He is the first goalie since the 1980s Islanders dynasty to lead a team to three consecutive Finals.
His consistency is staggering. On October 24, 2024, he became the fastest goaltender in NHL history to reach 400 career wins, hitting the milestone in only 707 games. Now 37, he continues to climb the all-time wins list, proving his elite preparation hasn't faded.
Cool Fact: Sergei Bobrovsky’s nicknames: ‘Bob’; ‘Officer Bobrovsky’; and ‘The Number One Cop’
The Fire of a Champion
Fans are usually seeing Bobrovsky as a picture of calm focus, but he recently reminded the league of his grit. During a January 19, 2026, game against San Jose, things boiled over. After a scrum broke out, Bobrovsky charged 200 feet to meet Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. The rare ‘goalie fight’ had the arena shaking with chants of "Bobby!" It was a clear signal: one of their leaders will do anything to stand up for his team.
72: A Legacy Set in Stone
From an undrafted goalie to multiple Vezina Trophies to a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Bobrovsky has turned number “72” into a symbol of excellence. As Florida pushes for a historic three-peat, the legend of number “72” is still being written.