We’re just about at the halfway mark for the scheduled rehab from the back surgery that Andrei Vasilevskiy underwent in the preseason. Prior to Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper updated the assembled media on his progress.
“Yes, he’s been great. Like I said you have to pull him down because he want’s to do more and more and more. He’s on schedule and looks great, his spirits are great. I can’t put a time table on it, but a few more weeks, right around Thanksgiving time. That’s what we’re hoping, so nothing’s changed there.”
Coach Cooper indicated that once he’s ready to go, he’ll be back in the Lightning line-up without a rehab stint in Syracuse, although he did acknowledge that is an option. Vasilevskiy is well-known for his preparation, so he should be able to hit the ground running once he’s cleared by the medical staff.
The trickle-down effect will be interesting once Vasy is back in the line-up. Right now Syracuse is carrying three goaltenders in Hugo Alnefelt, Pytor Kochetkov, and Evan Fitzpatrick. If Frederik Andersen is truly good to go in Carolina, Kochetkov will stay in Syracuse for the near future and Fitzpatrick will be loaned back to Orlando. Still, once Vasilevskiy returns to Tampa, Matt Tomkins will likely be sent to Syracuse and it’s not ideal in any league, especially one where a team is trying to develop prospects, to be carrying three goaltenders.
Could they ask Carolina to loan Kochetkov to another AHL franchise? The Hurricanes lack of an affiliation is making things awkward in that regard, but that would likely be the best solution to the problem.
Lightning / NHL News
Lightning dominate Sharks, 6-0 [Raw Charge]
A solid win over a struggling team. Six different Bolts found the back of the net as they enjoyed their largest margin of victory this season.
Solar Bears drop game to Everblades, 2-1 [ECHL]
Steve Jandric scored the lone Orlando goals despite 44 shots by the Solar Bears. Brandon Halverson stopped 27 of 29 in net. On the season the Solar Bears are 1-1-0-1, which is good for second place in the South Division.
Zach Kassian retires [NHLPA]
Lasting in the NHL for 12 seasons is a pretty remarkable feat, especially when your trade in the business is being a physical forward. Best known for his tenure in Edmonton, Kassian did play for three other franchises throughout his 661-game career.
Life of an import, part 4 [The Ice Garden]
Ever wonder what it’s like playing hockey overseas? Sally Hoerr is an American defenseman playing for the Lakers Karnten in the European Women’s Hockey League. She provided The Ice Garden of what it’s like when they’re traveling.
PWHL potential names revealed through trademark filings [The Athletic]
They are…something. Trademarks were filed for the following names: Toronto Torch, Montreal Echo, Ottawa Alert, Minnesota Superior, Boston Wicked, and New York Sound. It’s important to note that these names aren’t finalized and the league hasn’t formally announced them yet.
Shane Pinto suspended for 41 games [For Sens Fans]
For a player to be suspended for half of a season for gambling by a league that has quite a few sports booking companies as sponsors is something. The only thing we really know is that he didn’t bet on NHL games.
