Report: Vasilevskiy Out Indefinitely with Fractured Foot
Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy reportedly suffered a fractured left foot and is out indefinitely. Tampa Bay is yet to confirm the injury but did recall goaltender Eddie Pasquale from the Syracuse Crunch (AHL).
Tough break for the Lightning. No pun intended. Sounds like Andrei Vasilevsky fractured his left foot and will be out for awhile.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 15, 2018
The injury could spell disaster for the Lightning. The 24-year-old Russian net-minder was enjoying his best statistical season to date, posting a 9-3-1 record with a .927 SV%. As our own Brock Seguin was quick to point out, the Lightning’s fortunate upcoming schedule could minimize the impact of Vasilevskiy’s injury.
With no back-to-back until Dec.3/4 and no backup with NHL experience, Louis Domingue will likely be heavily utilized in Vasilevskiy’s absence. Could start the next 9 games before sitting out Dec 3rd or 4th.
— 🅱️𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗞 🥅 (@Brock_Seguin) November 15, 2018
With no need to start a back-up until December 3rd, the Lightning will hope Louis Domingue can hold down the fort in Vasilevskiy’s absence. Domingue, a career back-up, has struggled so far this season, posting an .887 SV% and 3.43 GAA. The Lightning will offer Domingue a lot of goal support but his career .906 SV% might not be enough to survive this stretch sans Vasilevskiy. Domingue draws a brutal first assignment tonight against the mighty Penguins.
Unfortunately for the Bolts, they really don’t have any other option. Pasquale has a respectable .918 SV% over his last two AHL seasons but has struggled so far this year. The former fourth-round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers is sporting a lowly .896 SV% for the Crunch this season.
Expect an update on Vasilevskiy’s injury and a timetable for his return to come from the Lightning later today. This story will be updated accordingly.