The “Big Cat” is roaring again.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s superstar goaltender, has added another victory to his comeback season, putting on a vintage performance and continuing his meteoric rise up the NHL goaltender power rankings. After a difficult and injury-plagued start to the 2024-25 season, Vasilevskiy suddenly looks like the elite goalie who led Tampa Bay to back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021.
Vasilevskiy was nearly untouchable in Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins, stopping 39 of 40 shots. It was his eighth consecutive victory. The 30-year-old Russian goaltender demonstrated his signature agility and positional discipline, frustrating one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams and reminding fans why he is still one of the most feared goaltenders in hockey.
A Statement Stretch of Dominance
Vasilevskiy has a 1.89 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage in his previous ten appearances, putting him among the league leaders for the month. His return to the top tier of goaltenders has been nothing short of miraculous, especially considering the concerns that arose earlier in the season about his long-term durability and consistency following offseason back surgery in 2024.
Now fit and focused, Vasilevskiy has risen to fourth place in ESPN’s current NHL goaltender power rankings, surpassing Thatcher Demko (Vancouver), Linus Ullmark (Boston), and even 2024 Vezina Trophy finalist Juuse Saros (Nashville).
The Heartbeat of Lightning
Vasilevskiy’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time, as Tampa Bay battles for playoff position in the packed Eastern Conference. The Lightning are 9-1-0 over their previous ten games, with Vasilevskiy starting eight of them. More than the wins, his soothing presence in goal has enabled the Lightning defense to play with confidence.
Following Tuesday’s win, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper commended his goaltender:
“He is the foundation.” Our entire team benefits from Vasy’s sharp focus. He gives us the confidence that no matter what happens in front of him, we will be in every game.”
Looking for Another Vezina?
While Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers) and Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets) continue to lead most goaltender stats, Vasilevskiy’s recent performance has reintroduced him to the Vezina Trophy discourse. If he maintains this exceptional level for the remainder of the season, he could find himself a finalist—or even a winner—once more.
Steven Stamkos, a teammate and captain, summarized it best:
“He is consistently our top player. He’s once again demonstrating why he’s the gold standard of NHL goaltending.”
What’s next?
With a healthy Vasilevskiy in the crease and momentum on their side, the Lightning are looking increasingly dangerous down the stretch. For a franchise that has won its fair share of championships, the return of its star goalkeeper might be the impetus for yet another long playoff run.
The Big Cat is returning, and the NHL should take notice.