Bobrovsky climbs deeper into NHL history with honorable milestone
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Jonathan Ouimet
Dec 24, 2025 (3:12 PM)
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Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Another night, another milestone, and Sergei Bobrovsky keeps making it feel routine in Florida.
The Panthers' starting goaltender earned his sixth consecutive win on Tuesday, closing out the pre-holiday schedule in vintage form. Over his past five outings, Bobrovsky has allowed just 10 total goals, steady work that has him entering the break tied for the NHL lead in wins.
That victory also carried historical weight. It marked the 445th win of Bobrovsky's NHL career, moving him into a tie for eighth place on the league's all-time wins list alongside Hall of Famer Terry Sawchuck. For a position where careers often burn bright and short, that kind of longevity is rare territory.
What makes the moment even more striking is who Bobrovsky is now chasing. He sits nine wins behind Curtis Joseph in seventh place, with Henrik Lundqvist only five wins beyond that. With half a season still ahead, it's entirely realistic that Bobrovsky could climb into sixth place before this year is over.
Just as impressive are the legends already behind him. Bobrovsky has passed names like Jacques Plante and Tony Esposito, goaltenders who defined generations of the position. This isn't just about numbers accumulating over time, it's about sustained excellence across eras.
Sergei Bobrovsky's résumé keeps growing quietly
Here's where the human side comes in. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice didn't hide what the moment meant to him. He spoke about the names Bobrovsky is now surrounded by, the same ones he grew up hearing about from his father as the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game.
Maurice was quick to joke that he has nothing to do with stopping the puck, but his admiration was genuine. He described it as an honor to work alongside Bobrovsky and witness his professionalism day after day, a reminder that greatness often shows itself in preparation as much as performance.
At 36, Bobrovsky shows no signs of slowing. His game has evolved, his reads remain sharp, and his calm presence continues to anchor a Panthers team navigating injuries and heavy mileage.
Sergei Bobrovsky keeps writing himself deeper into NHL history, one controlled, workmanlike night at a time.