Article content
Andrei Vasilevskiy tipped his hat to the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
Article content
The Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender has struggled in the series, lugging an .856 save percentage into a must-win situation in Game 5.
Article content
Playing into that has been the Leafs’ persistence in getting bodies in front of Vasilevskiy. Goals off deflections have been common by Toronto.
“They’re such a skilled team and every opportunity they have, it’s a really good scoring chance,” Vasilevskiy told media in Tampa. “This series, they’re executing the game plan really well, getting in front of me, creating all kinds of screens and deflections. I’ll give them credit.
Article content
“Last year, they were trying to play a more skilled game. This year, they are playing more playoff hockey to score that, I will not say garbage goals, but greasy goals.
“Instead of creating that super, highlight-reel play, they’re just trying to get as many bodies in front as possible and shoot the puck from the blue line. It’s as simple as that.”
How can Vasilevskiy track the puck better through the Leafs’ screens?
“Buy myself X-ray glasses,” Vasilevskiy said jokingly.
Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section for news and odds.
