Despite two straight losses, Gallant says Shesterkin has been better than Vasilevskiy
We knew the Eastern Conference Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers would be a battle between goaltenders Andrei Vasilevskiy and Igor Shesterkin. So far, it has not disappointed. After two losses in Madison Square Garden, the Bolts have won two straight games at home to tie the series at two games each. Vasilevkiy was fantastic Tuesday night, stopping 34 of 35 shots he faced. Still, Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant believes his netminder has been better.
"We didn't get inside enough," said Gallant. "Vasilevsky made some good saves, but he didn't make enough good saves – not near as many as Shesty had to make. We had quality chances – five or six probably – but you've got to get a lot more than that."
The previous game, which Tampa Bay won 3-2, Shesterkin faced a total of 52 shots, while Vasilevskiy went up against 30.
As for the Lightning taking the last two games and tying the series, Gallant says he's not worried.
""I'm hoping it's going to be a homer series. That's what it looks like so far. We were pretty good in our building. They were pretty good in their building. So, that's what I see," said Gallant.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 316 ANSWERS Despite two straight losses, Gallant says Shesterkin has been better than Vasilevskiy Who's been better in this series so far? | ||
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | 81 | 25.6 % |
| Igor Shesterkin | 89 | 28.2 % |
| They seem pretty even to me | 146 | 46.2 % |
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| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Canadiens | 10 | 7 | 3 | - | 14 | |
| Red Wings | 9 | 6 | 3 | - | 12 | |
| Panthers | 10 | 5 | 5 | - | 10 | |
| Sabres | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 9 | |
| Senators | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 9 | |
| Maple Leafs | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 9 | |
| Bruins | 10 | 4 | 6 | - | 8 | |
| Lightning | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 6 | |
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| Devils | 8 | 7 | 1 | - | 14 | |
| Penguins | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 13 | |
| Hurricanes | 8 | 6 | 2 | - | 12 | |
| Capitals | 9 | 6 | 3 | - | 12 | |
| Islanders | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 | |
| Flyers | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 | |
| Blue Jackets | 8 | 4 | 4 | - | 8 | |
| Rangers | 9 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 8 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Mammoth | 9 | 7 | 2 | - | 14 | |
| Avalanche | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 13 | |
| Jets | 8 | 6 | 2 | - | 12 | |
| Blackhawks | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 10 | |
| Predators | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 10 | |
| Stars | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 | |
| Blues | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 7 | |
| Wild | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 7 | |
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| Golden Knights | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 12 | |
| Kraken | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 12 | |
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| Kings | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | |
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