The Vezina trophy is awarded each year to the goaltender who performed with the best overall ability in his position. The award was voted on by the NHL general managers at the end of the season and today the list of finalists was announced. Let's take a look at the season each man had and offer some prognostication.
Sergei Bobrovsky - Columbus Blue Jackets: It was a breakout year for "Goalie Bob", whose heroics helped lift the Jackets to within one point of their second playoff appearance in team history. It was without a doubt a career year for the 24 year old, as he finished second in save percentage (.932) tied for fifth in goals against average (2.00), sixth in shutouts (4) and recorded 21 wins. He also led a Columbus squad that finished the season 9th in goals against, a marked improvement over previous seasons.
Henrik Lundqvist - New York Rangers: It's the fifth nomination for the reigning Vezina champion Lundqvist, and likely not his last. Despite a slow start to the season, he and his teammates were able to finish with the 4th fewest goals allowed during the regular season. He was especially excellent during the Ranger's drive to make the playoffs, allowing two goals or less in 16 of his final 20 games. Lundqvist's numbers were excellent (2.05gaa, .926 save percentage) and he finished tied for first among all goalies in the NHL for starts (43) and wins (24).
Antti Niemi - San Jose Sharks: Like Bobrovksy, Niemi also had a career year and is being rewarded with his first Vezina nomination as a result. No goalie in the league played more minutes than Niemi this year and he finished third in both shots faced and saves. Despite this, he still managed to finish with quality stats, (2.16gaa, .924 save percentage, 4 shutouts) as well as tying with Lundqvist with 24 wins. His season was highlighted by a seven game win streak, during which he only allowed ten goals.
Missing the Cut:
Tuukka Rask - Boston Bruins: 19 wins, 2.00 gaa, .929 save percentage, NHL-leading 5 shutouts.
Jimmy Howard - Detroit Red Wings: 21 wins, 2.13 gaa, .923 save percentage, also 5 shutouts.
Craig Anderson - Ottawa Senators: First in gaa and save percentage (1.69/.941) but only 24 appearances.
Cory Schneider - Vancouver Canucks: 17 wins, 2.11 gaa, .927 save percentage, 5 shutouts.
Prediction: This was a really tight race for the Vezina. If any of the top three had been replaced by one of those that missed the cut, I would not be surprised at all. Bobrovsky had an excellent season, but he will split the vote in the West with Niemi, allowing Lundqvist to win his second straight Vezina.
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