The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in February.
KUCHEROV:Star doesn’t hold back in press conference after Lightning win Stanley Cup
Vasilevskiy picked up the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with his fifth shutout. Counting the 2020 Stanley Cup title, he has recorded shutouts in five consecutive series clinchers.
“I still can’t believe it,” he said. “Obviously, the whole team deserves it for sure. Just to have five shutouts in one playoffs, it’s all about team.”
clever salary cap maneuvering by Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois.
Because of Vasilevskiy’s play, the Lightning didn’t lose back-to-back games in two consecutive postseasons. He was 7-0 last season and 7-0 this season following a loss.
The Lightning played strong defense in front of him in Game 5, but he fended off Montreal’s pressure before Colton’s goal.
The Lightning also blocked nine shots in front of Vasilevskiy. Barclay Goodrow had three of them, including a big one on the Canadiens’ hard-shooting captain Shea Weber in the third period.
“That exemplifies everything with our team,” Cooper said.
Lightning forward Pat Maroon picked up his third consecutive Stanley Cup title, including the 2019 one with the St. Louis Blues.