TAMPA — Tuesday morning found Andrei Vasilevskiy in a less-than-“Big Cat” mood.
Following a disheartening loss to the Sabres the previous night, which left the Lightning’s locker room somber and frustrated, the goaltender returned from practice admitting to feeling a bit “grumpy,” punctuating his sentiment with an eye-roll and a good-natured chuckle.
Known for his self-deprecating humor, Vasilevskiy, widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders of his era, has always downplayed his accomplishments. Despite being a two-time Stanley Cup champion and recipient of both the Conn Smythe and Vezina trophies, he deflects praise with humility and wit.
However, this season has presented unique challenges for Vasilevskiy, starting with back surgery during training camp that sidelined him for the first 20 games. Following a microdiscectomy repair of a lumbar disc herniation on Sept. 28, the 29-year-old Russian native made his season debut on Nov. 24.
Subsequently, he faced a period of readjustment to his dominant form. Across 52 regular-season games, Vasilevskiy posted the highest goals-against average (2.90) and lowest save percentage (.900) of his 10-year NHL career.
Yet, despite these statistics, there was little discernible decline in Vasilevskiy’s performance, as noted by players around the league. In a recent NHL Players’ Association poll, Connor McDavid, a three-time Hart Trophy winner, lauded Vasilevskiy’s skill and intelligence on the ice, emphasizing the difficulty of scoring against him.
As of late, Vasilevskiy has shown signs of returning to form. In March, he boasted an 8-1-1 record, along with a .915 save percentage and 2.39 goals-against average, numbers more aligned with his career averages.
Expressing confidence in his physical condition and readiness for the postseason, Vasilevskiy acknowledged the unconventional path the Lightning took to secure their playoff spot. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about their prospects.
Historically, Vasilevskiy has excelled in the playoffs, with superior statistics compared to the regular season. He has a 65-42 record, along with a .921 save percentage and 2.37 goals-against average in 110 career playoff games, surpassing his regular-season numbers.
The postseason spotlight seems to bring out the best in Vasilevskiy, elevating his competitiveness and performance. Lightning coach Jon Cooper praised Vasilevskiy’s resilience since his surgery, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Maintaining his characteristic humor, Vasilevskiy joked about the energy of playoff hockey and the flood of messages he receives during the postseason. Despite the added attention, he remains focused on delivering his best performance when it matters most.
