Since the Lightning signed him to a three-year contract extension, people have been waiting to see how Andrei Vasilevskiy will perform as the team's true number-one goaltender. Now that time is here, as the 23-year-old netminder will get his first opportunity to start off a season as the undisputed starter.
Yes, Vasilevskiy spent time last season as Tampa Bay's number-one goalie once the team sent Ben Bishop to the Los Angeles Kings. However, he began the 2016-17 regular season as more of a "1B" option behind him.
Bishop has now moved on and the Lightning now have Peter Budaj as their second goaltender. Budaj is a quality goalie who will provide the Bolts with solid play in net; however, his role as being the team's backup has been made quite clear. It is now Vasilevskiy's time to shine and the sky is truly the limit for the young puck-stopper.
Since being drafted by the Lightning 19th-overall in 2012, Vasilevskiy has shown all the signs of someone who has what it takes to be an elite goalie in the National Hockey League. He has already shown great poise during high-pressure postseason action and truly stepped up when he was made the starter after Bishop's departure.
Of course, there is an uncertainty of how he will play throughout the 60-plus games he will be called upon this season. That is to be expected because Vasilevskiy has never had to do it. Still, there is plenty optimistic thought that he will shine. If he can truly live up to expectations, goalie is going to be a position the Lightning will not have to worry about for quite some time.
Side Note
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