Andrei Vasilevskiy won his 300th career game tonight as the Tampa Bay Lightning downed the Winnipeg Jets, 4-1. Jake Guentzel scored twice, while Anthony Cirelli scored his 100th career goal. The win snapped a seven-game win streak for the Jets and handed them only their second loss of the season.
Following a six-day layoff in the schedule for Vasilevskiy and company, the Lightning (8-6-1) came out fast with five shots on goal in the first 90 seconds. Guentzel would score his first goal of the night on an amazing between-the-legs pass from Nick Paul.
10/10 no notes 🤌 pic.twitter.com/CT1CF9bP1O
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) November 15, 2024
Paul gained the puck on one of many turnovers committed by the Jets. Winnipeg (15-2-0) gave the puck away 23 times during the game, a statistic the Bolts took advantage of.
Continuing their fast play into the second, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli scored less than a minute apart early in the period to increase the lead to three. At one point, Tampa Bay was outshooting the hottest team in the league nearly two-to-one.
However, Winnipeg would regain the rhythm that had propelled them to the best record in the NHL in this early season. Forcing a challenging forecheck on the Bolts, Adam Lowry found the back of the net midway through the second period to draw within two goals.
The Jets, who had won 14 of 15 games to start the year, continued to build momentum. As they pressured the Lightning offensively, Winnipeg goalie Eric Comrie overcame the earlier goals against him to make some stellar saves defensively.
Tampa Bay would go nearly three-quarters of the third period without registering a shot against the Jets. Winnipeg continued to pressure the Lightning. Vasilevskiy continued to hold them at bay.
Time would run out for the Jets and their seven-game win streak.
“They’re a good hockey team over there,” Brandon Hagel commented following the game. “But at the same time believe we’re a good hockey team over here.”
“We just waited, capitalized when we needed to, and then defended.”
Vasilevskiy Fastest to 300 Wins
Vasilevskiy made NHL history tonight by becoming the fastest goalie to 300 career wins. Entering the game on a three-game losing streak, the 2019 Vezina Trophy-winning goalie saved 24 of 25 shots he faced.
On his quest for the achievement, Vasilevskiy came into the night on a three-game losing streak. Frustrated with the Bolts giving up 10 goals in those three games, the all-star goalie said the team took advantage of the six-day layoff to sharpen their skills.
“We spent time practicing and getting better,” the all-star noted. “We were really consistent throughout the game, (earning) turnovers, and quite smart goals.”
While smiling under his wide-rimed hat, the Russian quipped: “It worked out, and that was fine.”
Vasilevskiy’s teammates lauded him on his NHL record.
“He’s made a difference for us,” Lightning Captain Victor Hedman said. “He’s clearly done wonders for this franchise. He works so hard to take care of himself.”
Hagel would continue to heap praise on the netminder.
“This guy’s the best in the world! It’s incredible!” Hagel commented. “What he does day in and day out, the saves he makes. So you go out there every single night knowing you have a chance. And if you don’t have a good one, he’s got us! It’s pretty incredible to watch!”
“The youngest goalie to win 300 games. What a moment for him!”
“He’s generational, he’s still in his prime, and what he’s done and accomplished along the way” Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper added. “And then to get the 300th against the best team (in the NHL).”
“He rises above.”
Staying Humble
Despite the praise from his teammates and coaches, Vasilevskiy maintained his usual level of humbleness. His attention wasn’t on himself but on his team.
“For the last 10 years, I played for such a great team,” he said. “These guys work, They give it their all out on the ice. They’ve helped me out every night.”
Despite their recent losses, Vasilevskiy remains confident in the abilities of the team as a whole. When asked about the significance of earning his 300th win against the hottest team in the NHL right now, he was steadfast regarding team dynamics.
“(A) win is a win, doesn’t matter against what team,” he said. “Obviously it gives us more confidence that we won the game against such a great team.”
“These guys do what we need to do, and to build on this and keep the wins coming.”
Three Stars of the Game
First Star: Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay. The Big Cat picks up career win 300 faster than any other goalie in NHL history. With a resume like no other in the business, add that to his amazing list of accomplishments.
2. Jake Guentzel, F, Tampa Bay. Two goals, including the opener to set the tone against the Jets.
3. Anthony Cirelli, C, Tampa Bay. His goal tonight gives him 100 for his career.
Up Next
The Tampa Bay Lightning (8-6-1) host the New Jersey Devils (12-6-2) Saturday night at Amalie Arena. The Bolts will honor Vasilevskiy’s NHL milestone in a pre-game ceremony. Puck drop is at 7:00pm.
