Sam Hitchcock: Vasilevskiy Dazzles in Return and Bolts Foil Leafs

VEZINAsky is back!

We played a "meh" first, a "blegh" second (except for the last two minutes) and a "meh" third.

Vasy was vezina worthy.

The Leafs actually looked pretty good, overall. Gotta' question Babcock on putting out Olyzhaganavocobov and co. out before the end of the 2nd, but hey. Whatevs.

Lightning had no business winning that game. Zero.

Vasi is the second coming of Hasek.

No signs of rust in his game. With Domingue in net, the score would have been 10-4 Toronto.

Toronto had more jump, won most of the puck races, and had the lion's share of chances. With the exception of about 10 minutes total, the Leafs dominated. Vasi was the difference by a mile.

No question vasilevski is the best goaltender in the league. the amount of insanely athletic saves he made was incredible, and ridiculously frustrating at the same time. Hoping the buds go deep in the playoffs but the inevitable matchup with you guys will create some serious drinking problems. Great game.

Totally agree, no business winning that game, the defensive zone turnovers were unforgivable, hard to believe they played like that upon Vasy's return.

I don't disagree that the Lightning were outplayed but I also feel they deserved the victory they got.

They were better on their PP and PK and earned two goals on the Leafs with ST play to take the lead halfway thru a game they were being outplayed.

The Bolts then kicked it up another notch at the end of the second and put the game out of reach for Toronto with the two goals in the final minute taking advantage of two Leaf mistakes.

The third period was the Lightning playing to their lead and trying to end the game, they gave a couple grade A chances in the third they would like back but for the most part they contained well in the 3rd to end the game.

Vasy was by far the best player on the ice and kept them in the game but sometimes good teams find other ways to win when they don't play their best and that was what the Lightning did to an opponent that clearly brought their A game.

Lightning had no business winning that game. Zero.

Vasi is the second coming of Hasek.

No signs of rust in his game. With Domingue in net, the score would have been 10-4 Toronto.

Toronto had more jump, won most of the puck races, and had the lion's share of chances. With the exception of about 10 minutes total, the Leafs dominated. Vasi was the difference by a mile.
- GalacticStone

- Feds91Stammer

That's my opinion, and I am sticking to it.

He's likely the closest thing to Hasek currently playing in terms of flopping around and crazy impossible saves.

Really? The Leafs dominated the Bolts, the goalie was outstanding, the Leafs hit a combination of 5 goal posts/ cross bars. If both teams played this way in the playoffs I have no doubt the Leafs would win in 6 games

I don't disagree that the Lightning were outplayed but I also feel they deserved the victory they got.

They were better on their PP and PK and earned two goals on the Leafs with ST play to take the lead halfway thru a game they were being outplayed.

The Bolts then kicked it up another notch at the end of the second and put the game out of reach for Toronto with the two goals in the final minute taking advantage of two Leaf mistakes.

The third period was the Lightning playing to their lead and trying to end the game, they gave a couple grade A chances in the third they would like back but for the most part they contained well in the 3rd to end the game.

Vasy was by far the best player on the ice and kept them in the game but sometimes good teams find other ways to win when they don't play their best and that was what the Lightning did to an opponent that clearly brought their A game.
- stammerman

Vasy saved their ass, period dot. They let the Leafs put 49 on him, forty friggin nine, they should be ashamed of themselves to let their goal tender get shelled like that, on his first night back no less.

Vasy saved their ass, period dot. They let the Leafs put 49 on him, forty friggin nine, they should be ashamed of themselves to let their goal tender get shelled like that, on his first night back no less.
- Sityak

Vasy was the best player on the ice for sure... they would not have won without him. But good teams find ways to win games in different manners when they play like poop and they found a way to win... thats what I am saying... the Bolts took advantage of the mistakes the Leafs had and capitalized on them while Vasy kept them in the game. I am sure the next matchup between these two teams will be another crazy game.

Really? The Leafs dominated the Bolts, the goalie was outstanding, the Leafs hit a combination of 5 goal posts/ cross bars. If both teams played this way in the playoffs I have no doubt the Leafs would win in 6 games

The bolts didn't play well and we still beat you. If you think it would take you 6 to win with the Lightning playing there "B" / "C" game I doubt the leafs do well with the "A" game.