The surprising moment Andrei Vasilevskiy calls his biggest personally

For most professional athletes it’s the highlight reel moments, milestones, or winning championships that go down as the “biggest moments” in their careers. But for Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy,  the moment that he’s describing as one of the biggest of his NHL career came on Sunday night in the Lightning’s Sunday night Stadium-Series matchup against the Bruins and it didn’t even involve a stick, a puck, mask, or gloves.

With nine minutes left in the second period and the Lightning down 5-2, Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman and Lightning winger Brandon Hagel got knotted up in the front of the net and with Swayman going after Hagel, Vasilevskiy came out in defense of his winger and an always entertaining goalie fight ensued between Vasilevskiy and Swayman at center court.

“I saw Sway was swinging the blocker a little bit on Hags, so it was just a reflex to run to the red line and challenge him, and he accepted,” said Vasilevskiy after the game. 

Fights are customary in hockey and fans look forward to them. But what you don’t see often is a goalie fight. It was the first fight of both goalies’ careers and moment each said they will remember for a long time. It was just the second goalie fight of 2026 and the 43rd goalie fight in NHL history.

 “Big thanks to him. He was great throughout the game in that and in the fight as well, so just again, big thanks again to giving me my first one in the NHL,” said Vasilevskiy. “When we both fell, we just said to each other a few nice words, and it was super nice,” he said. “One of the biggest moments for me personally because I’ve never fought in the NHL,” he noted. “Again, can’t say it enough, I extend a big thanks to him for that.”

Swayman also spoke about the scuffle after the match and how much he enjoyed it as well and even called Vasilevskiy the “biggest, toughest” goalie in the league.

“I think fighting the biggest, toughest goalie of the league wouldn’t be my first choice, but glad we got the first one out of the way, probably retire it after that,” joked Swayman. When asked if he knew Vasilevskiy was a lefty, he also said no.

“Glad we had our first gig against each other, worthy opponent,” said Swayman.

Vasilevskiy and Swayman spoke after the match and ended things with a smile and a laugh and ended things amicably.

“He (Vasilevskiy) wanted to win, which is good,” he said. “So did I,” stated Swayman. “That’s game respecting game. You know, we see fights every single game, just got that one out of the way,” he said.

The Lightning went on to defeat the Bruins 6-5 after a 1-0 shootout. And while the game itself is getting talked about as one of the best outdoor games in the NHL, it’s the goalie fight that is truly one of the highlight moments of the match.”