Well-Rested Andrei Vasilevskiy Looking to Start Strong Against Washington
7 years agoTampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has started only five games since April 22, the day after eliminating the New Jersey Devils from the playoffs. That is fewer games than any other starting goalie from the four teams that remain in the playoffs, and two fewer games than Capitals goalie Braden Holtby. Playing only five games in 19 days should help silence concerns that were raised earlier in the season about Vasilevskiy starting to fatigue, but keep in mind that he had his worst game of the second round in Game 1 after having a full week to rest. His .909 save percentage in Round 2 was held up by two of the final three games in the series, where he posted a save percentage of .966 and .964, respectively. Those two games were part of a stretch where he started three games in five days, so the long rest may not be quite the gift it seems to be. Vasilevskiy may struggle to find a groove in Game 1 tonight, but that will be no reason to not trust him as the series continues.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com