The big story of the night, besides the offensive explosion, was the return of the star netminder. And it didn't looked like he missed a beat. he looked sound positionally making his saves. Sure, he had some slow moments, like he was just getting his footing back, and that is understandable. This was his first game in the Lightning net since last April when the Bolts were bounced from the playoffs. But that will come back in time. Once he gets his game back, its going to be tough to play against Tampa this year.
What stuck out for me was the Lightning offense in this game as well. At the start the Bolts had only one shot on goal against Carolina, which seems almost typical. What I mean is, there were times during his career where Vasey would have to stand on his head and get no or very little offensive support. That in terms of shots on goal, let alone actual goal scoring. Eventually, as last night wore on, Tampa's offense did find its stride. If this team is to really go anywhere on a deep playoff run, Vasey is going to need the offensive support he got last night. Doesn't have to be that high every night, but it does need to show up to where he doesn't have to keep standing on his head on most nights.
This stretch the Lightning had without the Big Cat in net proved invaluable for the team as well. Jonas Johansson got the bulk of the starts with Vasilevskiy being out hurt. Johansson did a very respectable job holding down the nets and showed he's going to be a fine backup. It also, I would like to think, give head coach Jon Cooper a little more confidence in playing Johansson a few more starts during the regular season and giving Vasilevskiy a few more nights off during the season so that way he can be better rested and more focused by the time the playoffs roll around in the spring.
Welcome back Big Cat!
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