Latest news with #Vasilevskiy
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
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.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lightning React to NHL's Andrei Vasilevskiy Announcement
The Tampa Bay Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division this NHL season, and much of their success can be credited to their goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy. The 30-year-old Russian appeared in 63 regular-season games, putting together a 38-20-5 record and posting a career-best 2.18 Goals Against Average (GAA) in his 11th NHL season. He also ranked second in total saves (1,581), second in shutouts (six), and second in high-danger save percentage (.853) this year. Advertisement On Monday, before Vasilevskiy and the Lightning faced the Florida Panthers in Sunrise for Game 4 of their first-round series, the NHL announced he had been named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually "to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position." Vasilevskiy was named a finalist alongside Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper. Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88).© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Following the NHL's announcement, the Lightning reacted to the big Vasilevskiy news on social media. "No surprise here!" the Lightning wrote. "Big Cat is a 2024-25 Vezina Trophy finalist." Vasilevskiy previously won the Vezina Trophy in 2019 and has been a key part of Tampa Bay's success over the past several years, helping the team win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 and make three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances from 2020 to 2022. Advertisement This is Vasilevskiy's fifth nomination for the award, finishing second in voting in 2020-21 and third in 2017-18 and 2019-20. Voting for the Vezina Trophy is based solely on regular-season performance, with the winner set to be announced at the 2025 NHL Awards ceremony in June. Related: Wayne Gretzky Predicts 2025 Stanley Cup Final Matchup
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lightning Make Goalie Move Wednesday Amid Andrei Vasilevskiy's Vezina Finalist Nod
The Tampa Bay Lightning were bounced in five games by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy didn't quite look like his usual self. It was a noticeable drop-off from the regular-season he had, when he put together one of the best campaigns of his career. The Vezina Trophy finalist posted a career-best 2.18 goals-against average (GAA) and went 38- 20- 5 over 63 games. He also ranked second in high-danger save percentage (.853), total saves (1,581), and shutouts (6). Advertisement In the playoffs, however, he posted a 3.27 GAA, an .872 save percentage, and went just 1-4. Vasilevskiy recently wrapped up his 11th NHL season after being selected in the first round of the 2012 draft by Tampa. The 30-year-old still has three seasons remaining on his contract at a $9.5 million AAV, and he remains locked in as the team's No. 1 goalie. Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88).© Rich Storry Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois made a move to lock in his backup goaltender for the next two seasons. The Lightning announced on social media that they "have signed goaltender Jonas Johansson to a two-year contract extension worth an AAV of $1.25 million!" Johansson has bounced around during his six years in the NHL. Drafted in the third round of the 2014 draft by the Buffalo Sabres, he has spent time with the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and, most recently, the past two seasons with the Lightning. Advertisement In 45 games with Tampa, he's gone 21-13-8 with a .892 save percentage and a 3.27 goals-against average (GAA). Related: Lightning React to NHL's Andrei Vasilevskiy Announcement Related: Wayne Gretzky Predicts 2025 Stanley Cup Final Matchup
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
With his stellar 2024-25 NHL Season, Andrei Vasilevskiy secures a fifth Vezina Trophy finalist spot
Image Via Getty The 2024-25 NHL season has offered plenty of great performances, but none have been as consistently brilliant as that of Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy . For once more time, during the playoffs, the NHL has praised Vasilevskiy's excellence by deeming him one of three finalists for the coveted Vezina Trophy . Joined by Connor Hellebuyck and Darcy Kuemper in this elite group, Vasilevskiy's nomination yet again made the case for his dominance in the crease. This year's journey has not only broken records but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders in hockey history. Andrei Vasilevskiy's elite campaign sees him awarded Vezina Trophy Finalist recognition It would have been nothing but a dream for someone to get more applause for an NHL 2024-25 season than Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning goalie was credited with getting 38 wins, ranked second in the league, maintaining a marvelous 2.18 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage. Besides that, he was still there when six shutouts were recorded, certainly holding a place in Tampa Bay's milestone of winning 102 points during that regular season and securing the playoff chance for the eighth season in a row. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Coventry: Born Between 1940-1975 You May Be Eligible For This Life Cover Reassured Get Quote Undo His extra-seasonal achievements were etched. On November 14, 2024, he became, in essence, the fastest goaltender in the history of the NHL to clinch 300 career wins, the mark being recorded in 490 games. He kept consistency unmarred as he joined the ranks of Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy with eight straight seasons with not less than 30 wins — a testimony that further solidifies his place among the best ever. Vasilevskiy has now been nominated for the Vezina Trophy five times. He was first honored the 2018-19 season, was the runner-up in 2020-21, and claimed third place in both 2017-18 and 2019-20. Other goaltenders with at least five Vezina finalist nominations under the current setup, which began with the 1981-82 season, include Brodeur, Roy, Dominik Hasek, Tom Barrasso, and Henrik Lundqvist. The Vezina Trophy in itself holds a wonderful tradition and is named after Canadiens great Georges Vezina. Originally established in 1927, the trophy was awarded for excellence in goaltending with a view that has since evolved to include the best individual performer in the position after 1981. Also Read: Hockey and politics collide: The impact of NHL playoffs on Canada's election season The greatness and consistency of Andrei Vasilevskiy still put him among the league's cream in the NHL. On the brink of declaring the final winner, the Lightning organization and hockey fans around the globe are now busy celebrating Vasilevskiy's master-class season in 2024-25, a testimony to his eternal ability and presence in the sport.
Miami Herald
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Five key stats from the Florida Panthers' Game 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Florida Panthers suffered a setback in their first-round Stanley Cup playoffs series with a 5-1 blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena. Florida still leads the best-of-7 series 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Monday (7 p.m., ESPN, ESPN+, Scripps Sports, Panthers+). Here are five notable stats from the Panthers' loss. 34: The Panthers put up a series-high 34 shots on goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy but only got one in the back of the net when Matthew Tkachuk scored 2:43 into regulation. Vasilevskiy was other-worldly otherwise. According to the advanced hockey statistics website Natural Stat Trick, Vasilevskiy faced 15 high-danger shots on goal and stopped 14 of them. His expected goals against was 4.13 and yet he only let the one goal slip by him. Saturday was the 10th time the Panthers have gotten no more than one goal in a playoff game despite firing off at least 34 shots on goal. Half of those games have come against Tampa Bay. 50: Tkachuk's first-period goal marked his 50th career playoff point since joining the Panthers. In that stretch, from 2023 to now, Tkachuk's 50 points ranks fourth behind only the Edmonton Oilers trio of Connor McDavid (69), Leon Draisaitl (54) and Evan Bouchard (54). His 20 goals are tied with Zach Hyman for second behind only Draisaitl (25). His 30 assists are third behind McDaivd (51) and Bouchard (42). 5 minutes: The Panthers have opened scoring in all three games of the series so far — and each game-opening goal has occurred within the first five minutes of regulation. Sam Bennett opened Game 1 with his deflection goal 3:44 into the game. Nate Schmidt scored the first goal and eventual game-winner in Game 2 4:15 into the contest. And then Tkachuk got the scoring started in Game 3 2:43 into regulation. Minus-4: The Panthers' top defense pair of Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad were a rare minus-4 on Saturday, meaning the Panthers were outscored by four goals when the duo was on the ice. They were out there for every Tampa Bay goal outside of the empty netter. For context, Forsling, who was a career plus-26 in the playoffs prior to Saturday's game, had never been worse than a minus-3 in his first 63 career playoff games and only had a negative plus-minus in 14 games overall. Ekblad, playing in his first game since March 8 after serving a 20-game suspension, had been a plus-11 for his playoff career entering Saturday. He had one career minus-4 game in the playoffs before: Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton on June 15, when Florida lost 8-1. 69 percent: Teams that lead a best-of-7 playoff series 2-1 after three games have advanced to the next round nearly 69 percent of the team in NHL history. The total record is 386-175, or 68.8 percent.
