Days after the Tampa Bay Lightning’s retirement, goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy opened up about the circumstances surrounding his underperformance in the first round.
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The Russian goaltender, winner of a Vézina Trophy and a Conn-Smythe Trophy, has been among the cream of the crop in the National Hockey League for several years. Acknowledged as the masked man who is best under pressure, he underperformed during the series between the “Bolts” and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In six starts, Vasilevskiy posted a .875 save percentage and a 3.56 conceding average. Results well below his standards.
The 28-year-old justified his generosity with the numerous injuries he suffered and accumulated during the regular season.
“I felt good for the first 30-35 games of the season,” he told nhl.com. But after that…I don’t know, my body and I weren’t on the same page. All these little wounds appeared at the same time.
“My mistake was not looking after my recovery. I kept pushing my limits. As I said, after the 35th game of the season, my body was failing me. To be honest I haven’t been in great shape since then.
Since the 2019-20 season, the imposing goaltender has played in 217 regular-season games and 77 playoff games, and appeared in three Stanley Cup finals. So a few months vacation won’t hurt him.
“I don’t really like to rest,” he continued. But at the same time, I understand that it’s something I need now. I really need to take care of my body.”
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper agrees with his confidant between the posts.
“No goalkeeper has played so many high-intensity games in the last 36 months,” he said. Can this ever have consequences? I am certain. His body is healing, he’s still a young man and keeping himself in top shape. But most of all he needs to heal his soul. I think that will do him the best.”