Lightning Dynasty Hopes Rest On Andrei Vasilevskiy

Just when it appeared the Lightning’s reign as Stanley Cup champions might be nearing its end, Andrei Vasilevskiy banished those gloomy prospects.

The veteran goaltender made 24 saves in Thursday’s 3-1 victory over the Rangers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Vasilevskiy has backstopped three straight wins this series, flipping an 0-2 deficit into a 3-2 lead to remain on track for a third consecutive title.

The highest-paid player on the Lightning — thanks to an eight-year, $76 million extension in 2019 — has been at the forefront of Tampa’s bid to become the first true NHL dynasty in decades.

• He’s the fifth-fastest in NHL history to reach 60 career postseason wins (97 games).
• He has allowed two or fewer goals in 47 of those 60 wins, and one or fewer in 31.
• After yielding nine goals over Games 1 and 2, he’s allowed only four since.

The 27-year-old led NHL goalies in regular-season victories (39) for the fifth consecutive time and is the reigning Conn Smythe winner for playoff MVP — though he has the fourth-best odds to retain the latter (+475).

Colorado is favored (-200) to lift the Cup, but with Vasilevskiy on top of his game, the Lightning (+200) could challenge the 1983-90 Oilers (5 in 7 YRS) and 1979-83 Islanders (4 in 4) for long-term dominance.