Andrei Vasilevskiy Becomes Fastest NHL Goalie to 300 Wins Against Jets

Andrei Vasilevskiy made NHL history on Thursday by becoming the quickest goalie to reach 300 wins after beating a team with the fastest start. However, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s two-time Stanley Cup champion wasn’t worried about ruining the Winnipeg Jets’ chances of being the first team to win 16 out of their first 17 games of the season.

“A win is a win,”: Following his 24-save effort that contributed to the Lightning’s 4-1 victory over the Jets at Amalie Arena, Vasilevskiy commented.

Vasilevskiy achieved the 300-win milestone, making him the 40th goalie in league history to do so. However, he was able to achieve this milestone in only 490 games, which is 31 games less than legendary Jacques Plante, who did not have the advantage of overtime and shootouts to help increase his number of wins.

It was the fourth attempt for Vasilevskiy to achieve his 300th win. In his last three games, he was defeated by the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers – and Thursday seemed just as challenging. The Jets came to Tampa having the best first 16 games in NHL history (15-1-0) and were on a seven-game winning streak.

They had the highest scoring average, lowest goals-against average, and best power play percentage (42.2 percent). However, Adam Lowry’s redirection of a Colin Miller shot in the second period was the only puck that managed to beat Vasilevskiy.

“I thought we’re really consistent throughout the game, almost no turnovers, We played smart, we managed the game. Some goals, that helps a lot, too. So, keep doing it. Play simple and play consistent.” : Vasilevskiy said.

The Lightning picked him in the 2012 NHL Draft and he has played for them throughout his entire NHL career at the age of 30.

While Vasilevskiy wasn’t too impressed by the milestone victory against the first team to begin a season 15-1-0, his coach was pleased. Vasilevskiy has achieved all of his 300 wins with Jon Cooper as the coach of the Lightning. Cooper, more than anyone else, understands the achievements of his goaltender.

Image Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images