Let’s take a moment to appreciate this save by Andrei Vasilevskiy:
It looked like the Lightning were going to be able to rim the puck behind the boards, but the official’s skate got in the way. The puck deflected right to J.T. Compher. Vasy had to kick from his right to left to honor the chance that Compher could shoot the puck. Compher elected to pass it back to a wide-open Alex DeBrincat in the slot. DeBrincat was staring at the far post and thought he had an easy shot, but Vasy flashed the big trapper and knocked it out of the sky.
It was an absolute beaut of a save by the Big Cat, the kind we’ve grown accustomed to over the years. We’re starting to see more of those as of late as Vasilevskiy rounds back into form after the delayed start to his season. While his overall numbers remain a bit high for what we’ve come to expect from him, the last five starts have been a lot better.
Starting with his win against Los Angeles, Vasilevskiy has gone 4-1 with a .921 SV%, 2.21 GAA, and 1.63 GSAx. Six of the 11 goals he’s conceded have come from high-danger areas while 10 have come at even strength (one of the top reasons why the Lightning penalty kill has been so strong of late). The game against Detroit saw him stop 8 shots while Tampa Bay was shorthanded in the second period.
If he can keep this type of play going, the Lightning have a better-than-good chance at earning a playoff spot.
Other hockey news
Lightning drop game to Red Wings, 2-1 [Raw Charge]
Just too many turnovers early on in the game.
Coach Cooper’s post-game Q&A [Bally Sports Sun: Lightning Twitter]
Coop says the first 40 minutes of the game were “surprising” and “disappointing”. He’s not wrong.
Sources: Corey Perry to sign with Edmonton Oilers [Daily FaceOff]
The Worm is heading north of the border. After having his contract terminated by the Blackhawks, it looks like he’ll be back in the league with the hottest team in the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers. We’ll see how he gels with the locker room.
Dillon Dube granted leave of absence from Calgary [Flames Nation]
The 25-year-old will be on an indefinite break from the team as he “attends to his mental health”. The reasons for his departure are unknown, but hopefully he is able to receive the care he needs.
