Several Hall of Fame goalies are in awe of Andrei Vasilevskiy; one former coach says he's a ''Mount Rushmore'' goalie
Andrei Vasilevskiy has been absolutely dominant the last two cup runs for Tampa and has continue that so far in this one. While he looked human against the Leafs in 7 games, he returned to form against Florida in the second round, only giving up 3 goals and posting a .978 save percentage, resulting in a 4-0 clean sweep of the Presidents Trophy winners.
Not only has he regained his form, but he is still yet to lose back-to-back games during Tampa's current playoff dominance in the last 3 playoff runs. Last night's shutout gave Vasilevskiy his 6th shutout in 7 series clinching games, which is just ridiculous. Vasilevskiy is well on his way to a place in the Hall of Fame and is quite possibly an auto-include on the "Mount Rushmore" of goalies.
Martin Brodeur says Andrei Vasilevskiy makes the game "look easy." Ken Dryden called him "imposing." Dominik Hasek loves how he "never gives up." That is some very high praise from 3 of the greatest to ever play the game and stand between the pipes. All 3 had outstanding playoff performances in their careers but none have done what Vasilevskiy is doing and has been doing.
Former NHL player turned head coach Rick Tocchet believes that Vasilevskiy is already worthy of being immortalized. This much was made clear during TNT's postgame coverage of the Tampa/Florida game.
"They're starting to get the chisel and stuff, they're starting to make that mountain right now," Tocchet said. "He's a Mount Rushmore guy, and he's making it happen. He's got Brodeur's calmness and big-game performance and Hasek's willingness to carry his teams on his back if his team isn't ready to play. His presence intimidates shooters."
Who would you put on your "Mount Rushmore" of goalies?? Let us know who your top 4 are in the comments!
| POLL | ||
MAI 24 | 160 ANSWERS Several Hall of Fame goalies are in awe of Andrei Vasilevskiy; one former coach says he's a ''Mount Rushmore'' goalie Is Andrei Vasilevskiy worthy of being a Mount Rushmore goalie? | ||
| Yes | 90 | 56.3 % |
| No | 30 | 18.8 % |
| Not yet, but he will be | 40 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||
