Lightning to stick with G Andrei Vasilevskiy for Game 3

The Tampa Bay Lightning will keep goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy in net for Game 3. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Lightning to stick with goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for Game 3

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 6/20/22

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, despite missing morning skate at Amalie Arena on Monday.

Would imagine it’s a rest option for both. Vasilevskiy often times doesn’t come for skate. We’ll see when Cooper talks. https://t.co/1EVLMNaNts
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) June 20, 2022

Vasilevskiy is starting of course, just had morning off https://t.co/BPfFFTGjrP
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) June 20, 2022

The Bolts, in pursuit of their third straight Stanley Cup, are in a two-game hole against the Colorado Avalanche and suffered a nasty 7-0 blowout in Game 2. Vasilevskiy remained in net for the entirety of that game and gave up all seven goals. It was one of the worst outings in his entire career.

Games 1 and 2 of the #StanleyCupFinal marked the first time in Andrei Vasilevskiy's eight-year career he has allowed three goals in the first period in consecutive games.

H/T @SNstats https://t.co/afTMqZ7eCj pic.twitter.com/y5kUSWmS0Y
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 19, 2022

Having a superb playoffs prior to Gm2, #TBLightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was torched for 7 goals by the Avalanche on Saturday. It not only was one of his worst career games, but also tied him behind just 5 outings on this #StanleyCup Final list that dates back 70 NHL seasons pic.twitter.com/B9Z3jEb5rP
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) June 19, 2022

Not to say the result of Game 2 was entirely the Russian netminder's fault. Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos defended Vasilevskiy following Game 2, saying the team in front of him has to be better the rest of the series.

Steven Stamkos on Andrei Vasilevskiy.

“We left him out to dry tonight. He's been our backbone for years and years and years. We owe it to him to have a better game next game. By no means is this on him."@TBLightning #StanleyCup
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 19, 2022

Cooper also said that center Brayden Point, who was also absent from morning skate, will be a game-time decision for Game 3. Point has missed significant time this postseason with a leg injury, although Cooper didn't specify whether the same injury was a factor on Monday.

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