Fansided

5 reasons why the Tampa Bay Lightning can win the Stanley Cup

By Simon Vacca

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates the win against the New York Rangers after the win at Amalie Arena on December 10, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates the win against the New York Rangers after the win at Amalie Arena on December 10, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – MARCH 25: Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning walks out to the ice for the game against the Boston Bruins at Amalie Arena on March 25, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – MARCH 25: Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning walks out to the ice for the game against the Boston Bruins at Amalie Arena on March 25, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. The man between the pipes

Make no mistake: in spite of some initial debate, the Lightning were absolutely in the right when they opted to keep a young Andrei Vasilevskiy over veteran netminder Ben Bishop back in February of 2017.

At just 24 years of age, Vasilevskiy is currently the frontrunner to land the Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s top goaltender. And it makes perfect sense — his numbers are spectacular, to say the very least.

Here’s a small sample of what No. 88 has accomplished throughout the 2018-19 campaign. Among goaltenders who have played more than 20 games, Vasilevskiy is:

  • First in wins (37)
  • Tied for second in shutouts (6)
  • Fourth in save percentage (.927%)
  • Seventh in goals against average (2.36)

Sporting a 37-9-4 record, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to envision a scenario wherein the Bolts’ big man between the pipes — in only his fifth season facing NHL competition — fails to walk away with an esteemed prize for his efforts. But will it be enough to land hockey’s most hailed possession?

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