Andrei Vasilevskiy seems to have a knack for building off shutout performances, and he showed that once again in Las Vegas.
After blanking Colorado on Wednesday, Vasilevskiy made 29 saves to help the Tampa Bay Lightning edge the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 on Friday night. The 24-year-old Russian goalie, who went 6-1-1 last season after recording shutouts, continued to impress, maintaining his sharp form.
“He’s just an outstanding young goaltender,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said. “He was in the zone again tonight, tracking pucks really well. Our defense let him see the puck, and if he can see it, he will stop it. Credit to Vegas for their push, but Vasilevskiy was there when we needed him. It’s a big win on the road.”
J.T. Miller notched his third goal of the season, and Tyler Johnson and Brayden Point also found the net for the Lightning, who haven’t lost in regulation since their second game of the season, going 6-0-1 during that span.
Shea Theodore and William Karlsson scored for Vegas, while Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 20 shots for the Golden Knights.
Last season, through their first 10 games, the Golden Knights were a remarkable 8-2-0. However, the defending Western Conference champions are now 4-5-1 and in sixth place in the Pacific Division.
“Every year is a fresh start, and what you did last year doesn’t carry over,” said Tampa Bay center Steven Stamkos. “They’re still a very good team, but you can’t expect to start every season on fire. It’s about growing as a team, and they’ve still got all the pieces to be a top team in this league.”
One area where the Golden Knights continue to struggle is the power play. Despite scoring a power-play goal on Friday, they remain the worst in the league with a man advantage, now 3-for-32. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s penalty kill ranks as the best in the NHL, having stopped 35 of 37 attempts.
Tampa Bay got off to a fast start when Johnson capitalized on a rebound in front of the net to put the Lightning up 1-0. Minutes later, Vegas responded with a one-timer from Theodore that beat Vasilevskiy, tying the game at 1-1. The Lightning regained the lead when Stamkos fed Point for a goal late in the first period.
Miller extended Tampa Bay’s lead to 3-1 early in the second period with a power-play goal after the puck deflected off him and past Fleury.
In the third period, Vegas outshot Tampa Bay 13-1 but only managed to score once, when Karlsson ripped a wrist shot past Vasilevskiy just 1:47 into the period on the power play. Despite their late push, the Golden Knights couldn’t find an equalizer.
“I think we had some chances,” said Vegas coach Gerard Gallant. “We just need to keep working at it and executing better.”
Tampa Bay’s defense stood tall, blocking 27 shots, including 17 in the final period.
“They’re fast, and they generate a lot of chances,” said Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh. “Vasilevskiy was our best player in the third period. We need to play with more assertiveness when we have the lead.”
Game Notes:
Vegas forward Max Pacioretty left the game in the first period and didn’t return. Theodore’s goal was the first by a Vegas defenseman this season. Vasilevskiy has allowed just two first-period goals all season, leading the NHL with a .966 save percentage in the opening frame. Stamkos is one goal away from 350 career goals. Miller is one point shy of reaching 200 for his career. Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman left the game with an undisclosed injury, and coach Jon Cooper said there’s a strong chance Hedman won’t play in their next game against Arizona.
Up Next:
- Lightning: Visit Arizona on Saturday.
- Golden Knights: Host Ottawa on Sunday.