When we think of the Florida Panthers, the names of Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov or Aaron Ekblad usually come to mind. However, these three men’s performances have recently been eclipsed by a surprise guest, goalkeeper Alex Lyon.

Some will recall that on Jan. 19, the 30-year veteran made his first start of the 2022-2023 season against the Montreal Canadiens. Lyon and the Panthers had played a nasty trick on the Habs at Bell Center with a 6-2 win.

Aside from that, the longtime American League goaltender has since become even more dominant, helping Florida get back into the playoffs. On Thursday night, he drove the final nail in the Ottawa Senators’ coffin with no fewer than 56 saves, a franchise record for a non-overtime game.

“The only guy who was focused from start to finish, no matter what was going on, was Alex,” said an impressed Paul Maurice at a news conference. He was good in all facets of the game, I’m happy for him. He’s worked really hard to be this good.”

“It’s a great story for the boys in the dressing room,” he added.

The Panthers head coach has reason to be satisfied. Lyon have won their last five starts, including another against CH, with one shutout and three appearances with 38+ saves. With the setbacks and off-ice problems of Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight, the American porter provides a breath of fresh air.

“It was great. I’m just trying to do my best to deal with the emotions and try to stay the same person. I really want this team to make the playoffs, so that’s a big motivator. […] The work is still ongoing,” said Lyon, who has 36 National League games to his name.

Which one to choose?

So, if the big cats manage to advance to the playoffs, who will Maurice send into the fray? The “Lyon King” has never played in the playoffs, while Bobrovsky has participated in them for the past six seasons.

The Russian has suffered defeat in his last three games but added six wins in seven games to his tally in early March. He may not have the rhythm on his side anymore and a virus has kept him out, but his experience speaks for itself. He would also be ready to return to the ice. With duels against the Washington Capitals, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes, the regular season is not prevented from ending.

How will Maurice handle his guardians’ workload? It’s still too early to think about it, he said.

“I made the decision not to think about it – and I understand the question, it’s a good question – but it’s a useless exercise for me because the decision will be futile compared to the current situation,” the coach previously told The Hockey News game on Thursday.

“I will not disregard the game that Alex Lyon showed. He played really well.”