88 Andrei Vasilevskiy G

Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy: Can't stop Capitals in Game 7

Vasilevskiy didn't get off to a great start on Alex Ovechkin's early goal, and the Lightning defense didn't help by allowing Andre Burakovsky two great looks at the net. Tampa Bay made the mistakes a team can't make in a Game 7, and Vasilevskiy and his owners paid the price. The netminder was solid in Games 3, 4 and 5 to get his team back in the series, but Game 7 more closely resembled the struggles of the first two games in this series, a tough way for him to end what was a quality season for himself and his owners.

Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy: Receives Game 7 nod

Vasilevskiy stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced during Game 6, but it wasn't enough for him to avoid a loss that forced a Game 7 showdown in Tampa. He's been particularly impressive over the last four contests, totaling a 2.01 GAA and a .942 save percentage to compile a 3-1-0 record following an 0-2-0 start to the series. The 23-year-old netminder may need another strong effort Wednesday to boost the Lightning to their second Stanley Cup Finals in the last four seasons.

Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy: Gives up two in loss

Vasilevskiy can hardly be blamed for this setback, as he was rock-solid again for the fourth straight game after opening with two duds. He might have lost Monday, but his .939 save percentage was stellar, and he's allowed just eight goals since Game 2.

Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy: Patrolling crease Monday

Considering Vasilevskiy has posted a 2.00 GAA and .943 save percentage in the previous three games, there was little doubt he would be back in the crease Monday. Throughout the playoffs, the netminder has been fantastic on the road, as he is 5-1 with a 1.99 GAA. If he continues that trend for Game 6, opposing netminder Braden Holtby might need to record a shutout in order to force a Game 7.

Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy: Gets starting nod Saturday

Vasilevskiy has struggled at home -- despite a 5-3 record -- as he has registered a 3.14 GAA within the confines of Amalie Arena (compared to 1.99 on the road). That trend has continued in the Eastern Conference finals, where the Russian has given up four goals on the road and 10 at home.