How Andrei Vasilevskiy became the most feared goalie in hockey
Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning (Credit: Getty Image)
Growing up in Tyumen, a Siberian city with long winters. Vasilevskiy had early access to ice and an inherited drive for the game, and his father, a goaltender in Russia's top league, offered the foundation.
While many young athletes chase attention, Vasilevskiy stayed quiet, focused more on the crease than the spotlight. That approach defined his early years in the Russian junior leagues.
Salavat Yulaev Ufa was his stepping stone. The competition there was intense, but he learned fast. Reflexes sharpened, and decision-making improved under pressure, by 2012, his maturity. Also the skill caught the attention of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who drafted him 19th overall.
Adapting to new systems and faster ice
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv)
The move to North America was a major shift. He had to adjust not just to a new language but to a faster, more physical game. In Tampa, Vasilevskiy trained under Ben Bishop, who became an informal mentor. That period was more than a transition, it was a transformation. His frame, already imposing, became a wall. But what stood out was his patience in the goal. He didn't overreact.
By 2018, he wasn't just a starter, he was elite.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
The Vezina Trophy that season confirmed it. He earned that recognition not just by stopping pucks, but by commanding the game.
Playoff stages and moments of composure
Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning (Credit: Getty Image)
The Lightning's Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021 solidified Vasilevskiy's legacy. His performance in those playoffs was more than numbers, it was presence. He delivered shutouts when needed and rose to the moment when others tensed.
The Conn Smythe Trophy was a result of consistency. Behind it was preparation, film study, and understanding opponents' patterns.
That work wasn't always visible, but it mattered.
Staying grounded as expectations grow
Despite fame, Vasilevskiy has remained private. His focus stays on hockey and family. Life in Tampa during the season and Moscow in the offseason keeps him balanced. Marriage and fatherhood have added purpose. He continues to be a pillar for the Lightning. His contract reflects his value, but his presence speaks more. He isn't loud, but his game echoes throughout the league.
Read more:
Scheffler's post-win moment shifts to ice as golf champion attends Stars' playoff opener
Andrei Vasilevskiy's career is not built on flair, but on foundation. From frozen ponds in Tyumen to sold-out arenas, his journey has been shaped by focus and control. He's not just a goaltender; he's a standard. In a league that rewards flash, his steady excellence remains one of its strongest stories.
Get
IPL 2025
match
schedules
,
squads
,
points table
, and live scores for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Check the latest
IPL Orange Cap
and
Purple Cap
standings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Emma Raducanu stars as women's tennis makes historic return to Queen's Club after 52 years; former Wimbledon champion Kvitova loses
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter won their women's doubles match at Queen's Club. (Image: X) London: Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu stole the spotlight as women's tennis made a historic return to Queen's Club for the first time in 52 years on Monday. With the dust barely settled from the thrilling French Open titles won by Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff last weekend, Queen's marks the transition to grass courts and this year's event is a milestone moment in the tennis calendar. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Since 1973, Queen's has been solely an ATP event. But a ground-breaking deal was struck last year to play a WTA 500 tournament in Barons Court before the men compete from June 16. Reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, Australian Open holder Madison Keys, 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina and world number five Zheng Qinwen are among the female stars set to feature at Queen's this week. But Raducanu, who famously won the US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier in 2021, was the headline act on opening day. Fans queued for an hour to see the British star partnered with Katie Boulter in their 6-4, 6-2 first round doubles win over Jiang Xinyu and Wu Feng-Hsien. Raducanu, who faces Cristina Bucsa in the singles first round on Tuesday, enjoyed the experience on the intimate Court One, bantering with Boulter and even laughing with spectators. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo "I love playing on those smaller courts where you really feel the support and crowd gets into it," she said. "I was filling my bottle up and I was literally having a chat in the stands because that's how close it is. It puts a really nice feel to it." Raducanu, who has struggled with poor form and back spasms this year, looked reinvigorated alongside Boulter. It was an especially memorable afternoon for Raducanu after her visits to Queen's as a child. "When I came with my dad, I was more hunting the (chocolate) brownies around the grounds and not so interested in the tennis! To be back now and competing in it feels amazing," the world number 37 said. Fittingly, Queen's centre court was officially renamed the Andy Murray Arena on Monday in tribute to the retired Scot's five titles in the men's event. 'A privilege' Petra Kvitova hits the ball during her match against Beatriz Haddad Maia on day one of The Queen's Club tournament in London. (PA via AP) Former world number one Murray has been an vocal advocate of women's tennis and was coached as a boy by Russian Olga Morozova, who was the last female Queen's champion in 1973. "Having women's tennis back at Queen's for the first time in over 50 years is brilliant," the two-time Wimbledon winner said. "I just met the last winner here, Olga Morozova, who actually coached me when I was 12, 13 years old. "It's a great chance for women to showcase themselves out there." When Morozova triumphed over half a century ago, the tournament was much different. Players arrived on the London underground, rain forced matches to be moved indoors on to a wooden court and the champion received just £1,000 ($1,353) in prize money. Sunday's final winner will bank a cheque for £120,000, but the total prize money fund for the women's tournament is only £1.043 million, while the men's event has a £2.122 million pot. Responding to criticism of that disparity, the Lawn Tennis Association pledged to have equal prize money at Queen's by 2029. Despite the awkward prize money optics, the mood at Queen's was resolutely upbeat. "It's a seminal moment, given it's the first time we've had a women's tournament in London for more than 50 years," LTA managing director Chris Pollard said. "In many respects it's long overdue." Over 80 percent of the tickets for the week have been sold, with fans treated to a dramatic first round loss for former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. Kvitova, who became a mother for the first time last year, was beaten 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 by Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia. The 35-year-old Czech has lost six of her seven matches since returning from maternity leave in February. "It's a privilege to be here," Haddad Maia said. "This club is very special and it means a lot to be on this stadium in front of everyone who loves tennis."
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
India tour of England: Arshdeep Singh reveals rhythm and red ball the focus as Team India begins Test prep
Arshdeep Singh (Pic credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: "Upar khula aasman, thandi thandi hawa, saath me suraj ki tapas, aur haath me red cherry. Welcome to Kent!" quipped Arshdeep Singh , setting the tone for what was a picturesque and purposeful training day for Team India in England. With less than two weeks to go before the five-Test series against England begins in Leeds, Team India has begun red-ball preparations in earnest. On Monday, the BCCI shared visuals from the outdoor net session at Beckenham, offering a peek into both the scenery and the squad's renewed red-ball focus — especially after months of white-ball cricket. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! For left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, the return to Kent was something of a homecoming. "I felt really good coming here; it feels homely," he said in the video shared by the BCCI. "I've spent two months here, and it's been quite enjoyable. It's a small place, very peaceful, not too crowded. The best place when you need peace of mind." Poll How do you feel about Team India's preparations for the upcoming Test series against England? Very confident Somewhat confident Neutral Not confident The highlight of Monday's session, Arshdeep revealed, was regaining rhythm with the red ball. "The main goal of today's training was to get into a rhythm, to feel how the body is responding, and how the red ball is being released from the hand since all the players have been playing with the white ball for a while," he explained. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Cordoba (ver precio) Verisure Undo "It was a lot of fun. As we continue, the intensity will increase, making it more challenging for the batsmen. " Arshdeep also highlighted the competitiveness during the net session, praising the batters. "It was enjoyable with the batters; they were quite compact. We had to work hard with a proper plan to try and get them out. Sai [Sudharsan] looked solid. The skipper was in good form. I'll try to keep this banter going and aim to get them out many times," he said. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Asked about working alongside Jasprit Bumrah , Arshdeep added with humility: "Whenever I hold the ball, I feel like 'I am the best.' But everyone knows that when you're in an attack with a player like Bumrah, there's no room for comparison. The main focus is how we can improve each other's game and benefit the team." India's training included drills for Shubman Gill , Rishabh Pant , Mohammed Siraj , and Ravindra Jadeja, with fielding coach T Dilip also leading a sharp catching session. With the Test series promising a fresh era in Indian red-ball cricket, preparation in the calm of Kent could prove invaluable.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
India up against Hong Kong's 'naturalised' side
Manolo Marquez PANAJI: Manolo Marquez has been in-charge of the national team for seven games since last year, and his only win came against lowly-ranked Maldives where, by the coach's admission, his team 'didn't play a good game. ' There have been disappointing results, including last week's 2-0 loss against Thailand. But given some encouraging shows – draws against Vietnam away, Malaysia at home – Manolo believes India can get a favourable result against Hong Kong in the Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifier at newly-constructed Kai Tak Stadium, a 50,000-capacity venue that will host its first football match. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'We are not very worried about the scores in friendlies,' Manolo told reporters. 'What's important is that our focus should be on point.' Poll What is the biggest challenge for India in the upcoming match against Hong Kong? Inconsistent performance Pressure to win Strong opposition Given their patchy form, India will find it challenging. Having dropped points vs Bangladesh in the first round, they now must win against Hong Kong to have their noses in front as only group toppers qualify for the continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia. 'The environment in the team is good. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Attention changemakers! Put your idea under the spotlight and win big Infosys Apply Now Undo Obviously, in all teams across the world, the environment is better when you are winning constantly. But the environment, the relationship between the players, regardless of the results, is very good. It's true that we have won just one game against Maldives, but the team is also difficult to beat. We are preparing some things for the future,' said Manolo. Bombay Sport Exchange Ep. 6: Harish Thawani on cricket's TV market and the watershed moments Nobody knows about Indian football's future but the present certainly looks bleak. Spread over 18 months and 16 matches, India have won just two. The three trophies that India won at home in 2023 and the away win against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers now seem like ancient history.
