The Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins are both relying on young goaltenders to get them to the Stanley Cup Final. In the case of the Lightning, it could come back to haunt them. Andrei Vasilevskiy (.910 save percentage during the regular season) gave up the winning goal 40 seconds into overtime Monday night, as the Penguins (–225 at home) prevailed to even their series at 1-1 heading into Wednesday's Game 3 at the Amalie Arena. Game time is 8 PM ET on CBC and NBCSN.
The 21-year-old Vasilevskiy actually played quite well in Game 2, making 38 saves in his first start of the playoffs. But the sophomore back-up has a tall task replacing Ben Bishop (.926 SV%), who left Game 1 of this series with a leg injury that appeared quite serious at the time. Bishop might be able to return later in this series; however, his availability for Game 3 is in serious doubt.
The Penguins, meanwhile, have enjoyed tremendous success behind 20-year-old Matt Murray (.930 SV%). He stepped in earlier this year for injured veteran Marc-Andre Fleury (.921 SV%) and played so brilliantly, he's the new No. 1 goalie in Pittsburgh.
NHL Odds: Pens, Bolts on Even Terms for Game 3
In a rare playoff battle of young goaltenders, Matt Murray and the Pittsburgh Penguins face Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Tampa Bay Lightning this Wednesday (8 PM ET, CBC) in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final. Murray made 19 saves Monday night as Pittsburgh (–225) won 3-2 in overtime to even the series at one game apiece.
Vasilevskiy actually outperformed Murray in Game 2, making 38 saves, but he gave up the winning goal to Sidney Crosby just 40 seconds into overtime. No. 1 netminder Ben Bishop isn't expected to play Wednesday after injuring his leg in the series opener.
No comments:
Post a Comment