On Thursday night, against the 15-1 Winnipeg Jets, the 8-6-1 Tampa Bay Lightning snapped a four-game losing streak, during which the team was outscored 17-10. The Lightning defeated the red-hot Jets by the score of 4-1.
If that was not enough excitement for Lightning fans, the team’s goalie, 30-year-old Andrei Vasilevskiy, recorded his 300th win in the process. He broke a 61-year-old record (held by Jacques Plante) becoming the fastest goalie in NHL history to reach the 300-win mark. Vasilevskiy got the 300th win in 490 games. Plante earned his 300th win in 1963 in his 528th game.
Big Cat territory 🦁
Andrei Vasilevskiy surpasses Jacques Plante to become the fastest goalie to 300 wins, achieving the feat in 490 games played! pic.twitter.com/GSHIzwxhRY
— NHL (@NHL) November 15, 2024
Andrei Vasilevskiy was the 19th pick in the 2012 NHL entry draft. He has played his entire career with the Lightning which was something he reflected on after the game.
One for the ages ⚡️
Goodnight, friends! pic.twitter.com/5uFPdTXIm4
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) November 15, 2024
Vasilevskiy said: “I obviously feel really fortunate to win 300 games for the same hockey club, first of all. It does not happen that often nowadays. Obviously, it is hard to win in this league but, over the last ten years, I have played for such a great team. The guys, they give it all out there on the ice and they help me out a lot during the game every night so big love to them for that.”
Given the two teams’ recent results, this was a surprise result. The Jets were riding a seven-game winning streak and are the fastest team in NHL history to reach 15 wins. The Jets had not lost a game since October 28.
Lightning and Andrei Vasilevskiy Celebrate and Refocus
Vasilevskiy and the Lightning are elated and relieved that this milestone was reached. Now they can move forward with the NHL season without questions and anticipation about when it will happen.
The Big Cat has a message for you, #Bolts Nation 😊 pic.twitter.com/ENwEyFS50W
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) November 15, 2024
The Lightning started the season with seven wins in the first ten games. The four-game losing streak pushed them back to fourth place in the Atlantic Division standings.
A big challenge lies ahead on Saturday, November 16 as the Lightning host the New Jersey Devils who put on a masterclass in their previous two games, sweeping the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers at home in three nights’ time.
