Welcome to this edition of Lightning Strikes, a series featuring quotes and comments from players, coaches, management, journalists, and fans alike concerning the Tampa Bay Lightning. This ongoing column aims to capture a slice of the existing outlook, attitudes, and culture surrounding the team.
The Lightning came from their one-week break and picked up two victories over playoff-caliber teams. The first win came against the Winnipeg Jets, who went into the game on Nov. 14 having won 15 of their first 16 games to start the season. Andrei Vasilevskiy picked up his 300th career victory. The Lightning followed that performance up with a 4-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils.
Lightning Celebrate Vasilevskiy’s 300 Wins
In defeating the Jets, Vasilevskiy became the 40th goaltender in league history to win 300 games. He reached the milestone in 490 games, the fewest in NHL history, 31 faster than Jacques Plante. The team had a special ceremony and handed him more than a few gifts before the game against the Devils. After the game, Vasilevskiy discussed regaining his focus and what the honor meant.
“The team gave me a few gifts before the game and the most important gift is that they played great tonight in front of me and they helped me out to get another shutout. Too many gifts tonight!”
Lightning captain Victor Hedman presented the goalie with a custom-engraved luxury watch. Team owner Jeff Vinik presented the two-time Stanley Cup champion with a commemorative gold goalie stick. Team mascot Thunderbug brought out a mini gold stick for Vasilevskiy’s son, Lukas. The team also shared congratulatory messages from his brother, Aleksei, and his father, Andrei. Former teammates Ben Bishop, Vladislav Namestnikov, Alex Killorn, Mikhail Sergachev, and Steven Stamkos also congratulated the former Vezina Trophy winner.
The 30-year-old Vasilevskiy owns an 8-5-1 record through 14 total appearances in 2024-25, ranking in the top 10 in the league (minimum seven games played) in shutouts (t-2nd; two), goals-against average (third; 2.15) and save percentage (seventh; .920) and was recently awarded the third star of the week by the NHL.
Hedman Pleased With Last Two Victories
For the second straight game, the Lightning went with an 11-forward, seven-defenseman look, giving them not only an extra defender but also allowing head coach Jon Cooper to jumble his…
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