Tampa Bay Lightning News

Vasilevskiy surrendered three goals on 27 shots in the Lighting’s loss to Boston on Saturday. He was given some rest on Sunday and despite saying he is fatigued, the Lightning will come back to Vasilevskiy tonight vs. Toronto. The 23-year-old has gone 2-1-0 with a 2.29 GAA and .915 SV% vs. the Maple Leafs this season.

Vasilevskiy allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Lightning’s win over the Rangers last Thursday. He was given Saturday night off, so he will be well rested coming into tonight’s game vs. the Senators. Vasilevskiy has enjoyed a lot of run support recently, winning three in a row despite allowing 13 goals on 122 shots (.893 SV%)—Tampa has scored 17 goals in front of him.

McDonagh will play for the first time since February 7th and will make his Tampa Bay debut vs. the Canadiens. McDonagh had 26 points (2G / 24A) in 49 games with the Rangers before he was traded to the Lightning at the trade deadline. He will likely replace Andrej Sustr in the lineup today.

McDonagh shedded his no-contact sweater and was a full participant in Friday’s practice and could make his debut vs. the Canadiens this afternoon. Because of the early start there will be no morning skate, so expect head coach Jon Cooper to update McDonagh’s status around 11 p.m. ET.

Vasilevskiy allowed four goals on 49 shots in the Lightning’s overtime win over the Panthers on Tuesday. Vasilevskiy has won two in a row despite allowing a combined 10 goals, but faced a whopping 92 shots in those two games. He will face a Rangers team that has torn it down—Vasilevskiy is 22-4-2 with a 2.66 GAA and .915 SV% on home ice.

Vasilevskiy allowed six goals on 43 shots in the Lightning’s win shootout win over the Flyers on Saturday. It is rare that a goalie who allows six goals can be considered as one of the three stars, but that was the case on Saturday afternoon. Vasilevskiy has won four of his last five starts while allowing a combined 16 goals on 176 shots (.909 SV%). He has gone 2-1-0 with a 4.39 GAA and .879 SV% vs. the Panthers this season.

Kucherov missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will draw back in vs. the Flyers this afternoon. Kucherov will be back on a line with Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn for the matinee—he has 33 goals and 49 assists (82 points) in 63 games this season.

Vasilevskiy allowed two goals on 34 shots in the Lightning’s loss to Buffalo on Wednesday. It was a surprising loss for Vasilevskiy, who will be back in net this afternoon after getting Thursday night off. Vasilevskiy finished February at 8-3-1 with a 2.89 GAA and .916 SV%. He stopped 36 of 37 shots i a 5-1 win in Philadelphia in their last meeting.

Vasilevskiy allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Lightning’s win over the Maple Leafs on Monday. Vasilevskiy has won three in a row and four of his last five starts while posting a 2.54 GAA and .922 SV%. It’s surprising that Vasilevskiy will get the front-end of the back-to-back, but he’s a must-start vs. the visiting Sabres.

McDonagh was acquired in a blockbuster trade on Monday, but has been sidelined since February 7th and will miss at least the next three games. Monitor his status heading into next Tuesday’s game vs. the Panthers.

Kucherov was hurt in Monday’s game vs. the Maple Leafs and is unlikely to play tonight. Kucherov did not take part in the morning skate and head coach Jon Cooper said that Kucherov is “up in the air but leaning toward doubtful.” Expect the newly acquired J.T. Miller to replace Kucherov in the lineup.

Vasilevskiy allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Lightning’s win over the Maple Leafs on Monday. Vasilevskiy has won three in a row and four of his last five starts while posting a 2.54 GAA and .922 SV%. It’s surprising that Vasilevskiy will get the front-end of the back-to-back, but he’s a must-start vs. the visiting Sabres.