It's safe to say that Andrei Vasilevskiy has impressed this Oilers superstar.
It's safe to say that Andrei Vasilevskiy has impressed this Oilers superstar.
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has put together an outstanding career. He has led the Bolts to two Stanley Cups, has won both the Conn Smythe Trophy and Vezina Trophy, and is a five-time All-Star. Needless to say, he has been spectacular and a pain for opponents to play against for several years now.
Due to his outstanding play, Vasilevskiy recently garnered some big-time praise from Edmonton Oilers superstar forward Connor McDavid in the NHLPA's latest player poll. No. 97 had to say about the Lightning goaltender: "Scoring against Andrei Vasilevskiy is extremely difficult. If he sees it, he's going to stop it. And, you know, even if he doesn't see it, he's got a chance. But to me, I think he's just so smart. It seems like he's always reading the play. He can kind of anticipate what you're going to do."
Getting these kind words from the NHL's best player is quite significant. Not only did Vasilevskiy get praise from McDavid, but Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck also had some big-time praise for No. 88: "I think the way he sees the game is probably his best attribute, but his flexibility and post-to-post move is just, it's just top end, and most guys can't do what he does."
Boston Bruins star goalie Jeremy Swayman had some kind words to say about Vasilevskiy: "I just love how he competes. The way he could see through screens, and he's always square. He covers so much net because of the way he plays, and his upper body is always up, and you know, he just competes... He just doesn't care how he gets it done, just gets it done in the right way."
Nevertheless, there is no question that Vasilevskiy's immensely high skill has grabbed the attention of the league. There's no question that he warrants all of this praise from McDavid and the others.
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