The captain of “Tampa” explained why he considers Vasilevsky the best goalkeeper in the world

Tampa Bay Lightning captain and forward Steven Stamkos said that the team’s Russian goaltender Andrey Vasilevsky is the best goaltender in the world, as he shows an incredible game in the most important moments of the match.

On Saturday, Tampa defeated the Rangers in the sixth game of the semifinal series of the NHL playoffs with a score of 2:1. The Russian repelled 20 shots and was recognized as the second star of the game.

— There is a reason why Vasilevsky is the best in the world. Because he plays incredibly at the most important moments, Andrey does it when the stakes are high. This is everything any hockey player can dream of.

Of course, we are sure of ourselves. Look at the last couple of games. We needed to score two goals to win. It’s amazing,” journalist Chris Krenn quoted Stamkos as saying.

Vasilevsky said that the team remained calm after a missed goal from the Rangers and continued to play their hockey.

There was no panic after the Rangers goal. They just kept playing their own way, and so did I. At some point, we had to throw the puck. We were lucky that we scored an early goal right after that, it was very important … No panic. That’s all, – said the goalkeeper.

Tampa will face the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final.