It’s been an amazing season for the Panthers, both on and off the ice. They currently sit in the third spot in the Atlantic Division, just four points behind the top-placed Maple Leafs. But even with their place in the playoffs locked in, the Panthers have more to play for. If they win their remaining three games, they have the chance to top their division and gain that all-important home ice advantage come playoff time. And with Vitek Vanecek in the mix, they look set to make a strong bid for the top.
The Panthers are up against the Sabres in a crucial game later today. And Vanecek will be back in goal for them, as reported by the Panthers’ senior digital content manager, Jameson Olive. Now, ordinarily the absence of Sergei Bobrovsky would be nothing but a cause for concern. But it’s different this time.
That’s because the 29-year-old is known to raise his game against the Sabres. He boasts an 11-2-1 record against them with a .921 save percentage in his career. All that remains to be seen is whether he continues his domination of the Sabres today.
Vanecek in net, per Maurice.
He’s 11-2-1 with a .921 save percentage in his career vs. Buffalo.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) April 12, 2025
Meanwhile, Vitek Vanecek is very much popular with the Panthers’ fanbase. He earned the chants of “Van-ny!” from Panthers fans after he had a strong debut for them against the Sabres just weeks back. He blocked all 21 shots as the Panthers won in a 4-0 shutout victory. “I heard it, probably twice. That’s really beautiful. The fans are great here. I mean, it’s my first game, but I played a couple times (here) on different teams. I know they’ve always been great,” said Vanecek, elated with the reception he received from Florida fans.
However, that win would prove to be his last as the 4 other games he played in all ended in losses for the Panthers. The Panthers will clearly hope that he repeats his first game against the Sabres tonight. After all, after he delivered that stunning performance on his debut, Panthers coach Paul Maurice was all praise for him.
Paul Maurice highlights Vitek Vanecek’s strengths
With the opponent on the offensive, it is never easy for any goaltender to block shot after shot. However, Vitek Vanecek, in just his first game for the Panthers, delivered a goaltending masterclass by blocking 21 shots and earning praise from his coach, Maurice.
After the game, Maurice said, “He had to make saves tonight and tough saves. That team, they’ve got some offense, and they’re dangerous. And he earned that shutout. He’s very efficient, very square like Sergei. I always found them to be fairly similar … efficient, square, and calm, and then fight. Fight for pucks and in the scrums and battle so there’s good compete in the net.”
As Vitek Vanecek looks to make a comeback against the Sabres, he’ll be aiming to channel some of that efficiency and calmness. Although his stats this season aren’t up to his standards, the Sabres provide probably the ideal springboard to bounce back from. So do you think the Panthers will top their division? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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