Andrei Vasilevskiy wins Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has captured the 2021 Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason's most valuable player.
Vasilevskiy, who was a runner-up for the Vezina Trophy during the regular season, was brilliant for the Lightning, who needed him to be at his best through the opening three rounds of the playoffs.
The 26-year-old finished with 22 saves in a 1-0 Game 5 victory against the Montreal Canadiens, and finished the playoffs with a .937 save percentage, 1.90 GAA, and led all goaltenders in several advanced categories including goals saved above average (GSAA) and high-danger saves, per Natural Stat Trick.
Arguably the best goaltender in the world, Vasilevskiy has posted shutouts in five consecutive close-out games, and if there's an intangible clutch gene, he certainly has it.
Despite boasting superior talent, the Lightning were out-possessed for large stretches of the playoffs and Vasilevskiy was often the difference.
Vasilevskiy is the first goalie to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Los Angeles Kings netminder Jonathan Quick won in 2012.
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