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Fantucchio’s Focus: Bobrovsky Bests Carolina, Flames to intro Conroy as new GM

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Good Morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Tuesday, May 23, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.



Bobrovsky Bests Carolina in Game 3: 

Even though Matthew Tkachuk’s game-winning goals in overtime stole the show in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Florida Panthers wouldn’t have ever been in a position to win either of those games without the play of Sergei Bobrovsky in net.

On Monday night, Bobrovsky’s play took center stage and stole Game 3 of the series from the Carolina Hurricanes, 1-0, as he turned away all 32 shots he faced.

“My teammates did a great job,” Bobrovsky said. “All those little details; blocked shots, we’ve got good sticks in the gaps and everything. So, it’s definitely a good result for us, and it’s a big team effort.”

Sam Reinhart provided the game’s lone goal midway through the second period on the power play.

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov exited the game in the first period and did not return after taking a hit from Carolina’s Jack Drury. Florida head coach Paul Maurice did not have an update on Barkov’s status following the game.

The Panthers can advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1996 with a win in Game 4 on Wednesday.

Canes Growing Frustrated:

While Maurice was in a joking mood following Game 3, the same can’t be said for Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour and the rest of the Hurricanes. Carolina has not played poorly in this series, and it’s safe to say they were the better team on Monday night. However, frustration is taking hold with the team now with its back against the wall.

“How are you not frustrated?” Rod Brind’Amour said. “There’s times when you lose, and you’re frustrated because you got beat, but if feels like we’re losing but we’re not really getting beat, and that’s where it gets frustrating. So, it’s the old story. It’s one day at a time, and we’ll pick the pieces up tomorrow, and then we’ll try to throw our best at them next game and take it from there.”

Flames to introduce Conroy as New GM:

The Calgary Flames are expected to introduce Craig Conroy as the organization’s new general manager later today, according to multiple reports.

Conroy played 16 years with the NHL, nine of which were in Calgary, and joined the Flames’ front office in 2011 and has worked as an assistant GM since 2014 under both Jay Feaster and Brad Treliving.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars Game 3: 

The Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars have played relatively even through the first two games of the Western Conference Finals.

But in the moments that have mattered most, it’s been the Stars who have come up short, which is why they’re now in a 2-0 hole as the series shifts back to Dallas for Game 3 tonight starting at 8 p.m. EST.

More From National Hockey Now: 

Pittsburgh: Penguins get permission to interview Dubas

Philadelphia: With a new front office in place, the Flyers can begin to address their biggest needs

Detroit: Discipline becoming an issue for Red Wings playing in IIHF World Championship

Buffalo: Sabres top draft choice being thrown into heat of Calder Cup Playoffs

Montreal: Habs retention space leaves plenty of room for deals this offseason

Chicago: 2017-18 was the beginning of the end

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