Jonas Johansson Records A 42-Save Shutout In His Lightning Debut

All eyes were on Jonas Johansson Friday night in the Lightning's first preseason game at home. The Hurricanes brought in their top three forward lines and Johansson stopped all 42 shots he faced.

There were multiple levels of uncertainty surrounding the Lightning on Thursday when news broke that Andrei Vasilevskiy would miss the first two months of the season to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. It all happened very quickly. For Vasilevskiy, the pain started in August and ultimately an injection resolved it. 

He started training camp feeling healthy, but left on Day 1 when the pain came back. Vasilevskiy received his second injection, treatment and then rested on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The Lightning hoped the injury wouldn't require surgery but that wasn't the case. The decision was made within hours of his procedure according to Lightning Coach Jon Cooper. 

Vasilevskiy has long been a pillar on the team. How well the Lightning stay afloat while he's recovering will be dependent their level of defensive play rather than who takes his place in the crease.

All eyes were on Jonas Johansson Friday night in their first preseason game at home. The Hurricanes brought in their top three forward lines and Johansson stopped all 42 shots he faced. The Lightning don’t expect Johansson, or newcomer Matt Tomkins to be of the level they’re accustomed to, but this performance gave them some room to exhale after an uncharacteristic week. 

“He’s a kid that’s been in the league a little bit, but he’s not ever really gotten his chance,” Jon Cooper said.

“So you never know when you’re going to get it. Obviously, he signed here knowing he wasn’t coming in to be the starting goaltender, and all of a sudden he’s thrust into a situation where playing time might go up.”

Johansson, 28, is coming off a strong AHL season in Colorado’s organization. He signed to a two-year deal with Tampa Bay this summer and has just 35 NHL games on his resume.

“You want to see if he’s going to take this opportunity and seize it. It’s a small sample size, just one game tonight, but he sure made a case. For him, confidence-wise, this has to be great for him.”

The Lightning held on to a 2-0 lead but the Hurricanes picked up the pressure in the first 10 minutes of the third period, forcing 13 shots on goal. Johansson held strong.

“I always try to prepare as if I’m going to play every game. It doesn’t matter what position I’m in, really. The biggest thing for me, I think, is showing up in practice and being good every day. That helps the games too, so that’s just my main focus,” said Johansson.

He had nothing but good things to say about his short time with the Lightning organization so far. He and his wife have felt very well introduced and the communication he’s had with Vasilevskiy has added to his level of comfort.

“We had really good communication earlier in camp & even days before training camp,” said Johansson.

“He's really good, really supportive and a huge guy to look up to for me. He's one of the best in the world, both on and off the ice. I'm really excited to watch him work too."

The Lightning will face the Nashville Predators Saturday night at Amalie Arena. Puck drop is at 5pm.