The NHL Network recently unveiled its list of the top 10 goalies in the game. Analyst Kevin Weekes recently named his “5 for the Future” and Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy topped his list.
According to former NHL — and Tampa Bay Lightning — goaltender and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes, the future is very bright for Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Recently, the NHL Network unveiled their top 10 goalies currently playing in the league. During the segment, Weekes also named his “5 for the Future,” his list of the top 5 netminders with the brightest future in the NHL.
Topping Weekes’ list was none other than the Tampa Bay Lightning’s own Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Weekes was nothing but complimentary in his description of the young goaltender. As a former NHL goalie himself, Weekes cited Vasilevskiy’s drive, size, and work ethic as a combination for success.
“I really think this guy could be a superstar in the league. He’s got size, he’s got range, his work ethic is incredible.” – Kevin Weekes via NHL Tonight
Vasilevskiy officially became the starting goalie of the Lightning three days before the 2017 trade deadline, when Ben Bishop was traded to the Dallas Stars. Before that, the two split
time fairly evenly under Jon Cooper’s “1A-1B” mentality.
Weekes believes that since Vasilevskiy is in the driver’s seat, it’s now his time to shine.
Which up-and-coming goaltenders is @KevinWeekes excited about? Here are his 5 for the future! #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/kBBzKDgQlG
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 7, 2017
What excited Weekes the most was the dedication of the young goaltender. Rather than citing natural talent, Weekes applauded his work ethic and how he’s always the first person on the practice ice and the last one off.
Vasilevskiy is arguably the hardest working guy in that group on a day to day basis. a consummate professional, and I don’t see any ceiling for him. – Kevin Weekes
This practice routine and the mentality that comes with it is nothing new for Vasilevskiy. It’s common knowledge now that the young Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender spends most of his offseason practicing from sun up to sun down with his personal coach.
His preparation has not gone unnoticed, and it’s all been for next season.
After plenty of time in the minors and time learning from one of the league’s top goalies, Andrei Vasilevskiy will start his first season as the outright starter for an NHL team.
While last season wasn’t the best year for any of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s goalies, Vasilevskiy showed promise throughout, winning 12 of his last 18 starts. Now, he has another season of NHL hockey and another offseason of training under his belt.
If this season follows suit with seasons past, Vasilevskiy will come back a calmer, smarter, and overall better player than he was last season.
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If the Tampa Bay Lightning are to rebound from last season and make a playoff push, Vasilevskiy’s play will be critical. Good goaltending is what separates good teams from average teams. If Kevin Weekes is to be believed, Lightning fans should rest easy because the sky’s the limit for the young netminder.