Tampa Bay Lightning Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy’s New Mask Unveiled

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy’s new mask is unveiled just in time for the start of the season and it looks absolutely amazing

The Tampa Bay Lightning arguably have some the coolest looking goalie masks in the NHL.  Ben Bishop‘s Tron themed mask glows in the dark and has become somewhat of an icon to Lightning fans.

While it wasn’t seen as much as Bishop’s, Andrei Vasilevskiy‘s mask was also a piece of work.  Featuring palm trees on both sides, a lion on top, and lots of chrome, it was hard not to love it.

Somehow, Vasilevskiy’s new mask managed to one-up his last one.  It’s very symbolic and very Vasilevskiy, featuring a mix of new and old elements that fit him just right.

The lion and palm trees make a triumphant return (in chrome of course) and naturally, lightning bolts can be seen all over the mask.  One of the new elements to the mask is the addition of the Russian Double Headed Eagle on both sides which is very appropriate and the bubble letter “VASY” on the front has been replaced with his number, 88.

Oh yeah, and did I forget to mention that the mask changes colors when it gets cold?  Not in the dark, in the cold.  The silver paint will change to an icy blue when exposed to low temperatures.

Thus, the Tampa Bay Lightning continue their reign as the kings of goalie mask.

I’m  firm believer in the “look good, play good” mentality.  It’s a confidence booster to know that you look the part when you play and as the Lightning take care of the goalies, it is their hope that their goalies will take care of them.

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Last season, Vasilevskiy was a strong force in net and that shouldn’t change this year.  As a young goalie with hopefully a long future with the Lightning, the sky’s the limit.