Solo effort: Breaking down Vasilevskiy's clutch glove save on Connolly

Andrei Vasilevskiy's highway robbery on Brett Connolly in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final may very well end up being the turning point in the series.

With the game even at two goals apiece in the third period, Vasilevskiy made a ridiculous glove save on Connolly to keep the game tied. A little over six minutes later, Alex Killorn notched the game-winning goal for Tampa Bay. Below, we'll break down how Vasilevskiy was able to make such a difficult stop.

For a full video of the save, click here:

Capitals forward Chandler Stephenson (No. 18, bottom of screen) scoops up the puck along the boards. Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (No. 5) then overcommits, forcing his partner, Victor Hedman, to apply pressure to the puck-carrier, assuming the center will be back to take the high guy. The latter doesn't happen, though, and Connolly (top right) is left all alone in the slot.

Hedman does a good job of forcing Stephenson in deep before he can get a pass through to the middle of the ice. Realizing this, Vasilevskiy puts the paddle of his stick on the ice in an attempt to break up the pass before it can reach Connolly.

Vasilevkiy's decision to throw his paddle down backfires, as the puck ramps off his stick, into the air, and into the slot, leaving him in a vulnerable position deep in the crease while Connolly is streaking in to bury the loose puck.

Amazingly, Connolly bats the puck out of midair. And remember, Vasilevskiy was leaning to his right when he tried to break up the pass, so the top right part of the net is open for Connolly. The puck looks like it's heading right over Vasilevskiy's left shoulder.

This last part can't be taught. Vasilevskiy uses his otherworldly reflexes to lift his left hand and get a piece of the fluttering puck. He doesn't catch it in the web of his glove, but he gets a big enough piece to knock it into the slot. Matt Niskanen doesn't get much on the rebound attempt and misses the net.

Vasilevskiy has bailed out his defense routinely over the last two games, but this was perhaps his best example of a sensational solo effort.

(Photos courtesy: NHL.com)