The Russian goalie school has always been one of the best in world hockey. Today, several goalkeepers from our country are performing at the highest level. One of them is Sergei Bobrovsky. The two-time Stanley Cup winner with Florida and the world champion not only shows the highest class on the court, but also helps to erase boundaries and soften political contradictions.

The best in the world?

Russian goalies have always been loved in the NHL. And now several students from our school are performing in the best league in the world. Players such as Andrei Vasilevsky, Ilya Sorokin, Igor Shesterkin have long established themselves overseas. Sergei Bobrovsky, who has been playing for the Florida Panthers since 2019, is among these brave guys.

It is Bobrovsky who is today the main face of the Russian goalkeeper school. And this despite the fact that Sergei is already 37, and he is only getting better every year. It was with him in goal that the Panthers made a leap forward and eventually managed to win the first ever Stanley Cup in 2024, and then repeat this achievement in 2025.

It is not surprising that today many hockey experts call Bobrovsky the best goalkeeper in the world. Vladislav Tretyak, for example, believes that Sergei’s specialty is his ability to constantly surprise attackers with his unpredictability, as well as demonstrate the highest class in the most important matches. According to the head of the FHR, Florida owes Bobrovsky two consecutive victories in the NHL.

Sergei Bobrovsky / Photo: © Bruce Bennett / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

The greatness of Bobrovsky is recognized by both the legend of Russian hockey Vyacheslav Fetisov and commentator Dmitry Guberniev, who named Sergei on a par with such players as Jacques Plante, Vladislav Tretyak, Ken Dryden and Dominic Hasek.

Raised the Russian flag

The presence of a Russian player like Bobrovsky in the NHL makes excellent advertising for our hockey and even helps to establish international relations. So, despite all the sanctions against Russian sports, in 2024, after the final match of the decisive Stanley Cup series, American fans greeted Bobrovsky with the Russian flag.

The banner was unfurled in the stands, and the goalkeeper triumphantly rode past the fans, greeting them. I’m glad that the game comes out on top and removes all the unpleasant political aspects into the background. It’s easy to understand for the Americans: the goalkeeper really did a lot to help Florida win the long-awaited titles.

US President Donald Trump also has a special love for Bobrovsky. At a recent meeting with Florida at the White House, the politician singled out the Russian goalkeeper.

“It’s a great honor to welcome this wonderful team to the White House and give them a few compliments – they did a great job.” I watched a few matches, these guys played powerfully. You left Canada without a Stanley Cup again and extended their losing streak. Great people! And legendary goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky, also known as Bob. Made multiple shutouts in each of the first three rounds of the playoffs, including a key fourth game against Toronto in the second round. “Phenomenal game, phenomenal hockey,” Trump said.

This season, things are not going well for Florida, but the Panthers are perfectly able to distribute their forces over distance and get involved at the most important moment. And with Bobrovsky in goal it’s much easier to do this.