As the NHL season is on a blazing action, it does seem that the race for the Vezina Trophy is coming in fast with a lot of players helping their respective teams to come up with a lot of wins in the season. It cannot be denied that there are a lot of explosive names on the goalie side who are keen to prove their worth and ensure that their teams can get a chance to deliver promising performances to win the Vezina Trophy.
However, at the end of the day, there can only be one winner of the said award, and this is why fans can expect to see players make their best case on the big stage. Now more than ever, there is a lot of hype surrounding the Vezina Trophy, and that says a lot about how these goal-stoppers are giving out their best performances this season.
What to Expect in This Year’s Vezina Trophy Race?
First introduced in 1927, the Vezina Trophy has been one of the most coveted trophies in the NHL. Awarded annually to the NHL's top goaltender, this trophy represents not just individual skill but also the importance of the position within the game. It is the symbol of their dedication to putting up defensive performances night in and night out.
A team’s success can hinge on their performance between the pipes, making the role incredibly demanding and crucial. While forwards and defensemen might garner more attention for scoring and physical play, a goaltender’s ability to make pivotal saves can turn the tide of a game or even a season. The Vezina Trophy acknowledges this importance, shining a spotlight on those who often work in the shadows.
As the NHL season unfolds, the race for the Vezina becomes one of the most exciting storylines. Fans watch intently as goaltenders battle not only for wins but also for the stats that will put them in contention for this prestigious award. So far, there are a lot of key candidates who are expected to make their presence felt on the said matter, and it does seem that this year will be full of surprises as the season rages on.
Who is the Previous Winner of the Vezina Trophy?
Connor Hellebuyck proved to be the winning star among various goalies last season. He finished with a 37-19-4 record on a .921 save percentage, amassing 1,656 saves at the same time. He also tallied 2.39 GAA and had five shutouts, showing how he has been an impressive player on the defensive end with the way has thrived in protecting the goal. While the Jets haven’t seen much success in the playoffs, it is expected that he will be coming up with a bigger performance in the game this season to carry them to the next level.
Contenders for the Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is more than just an award; it embodies the essence of goaltending in hockey. With its storied history, emphasis on individual skill, and the pride it brings to players and their teams, it remains one of the most coveted honors in the sport. So far, this year’s race for the Vezina Trophy is expected to be a promising one with fiery games expected to unfold while these goalies try to come up with a chance to win the award.
Here are the contenders for the Vezina Trophy that you can consider to bet on to win the award:
Igor Shesterkin (+450)
The New York Rangers have the best defensive anchor in the game right now in Igor Shesterkin. The goalie was one of the standout performers last season and was the prime reason that the team has found ways to win throughout the season. In his stead, the Rangers had a 36-17-2 record, including four shutouts. Shersterkin finished the year with 1,465 saves on .912 save percentage, coming up with 2.58 GAA for the season. This time, he is expected to continue on the winning track and even deliver a promising run for his team.
Connor Hellebuyck (+700)
It is worth noting that Hellebuyck has managed to win the Vezina Trophy twice in his nine NHL seasons, and that has made him the 23rd goalie to come up with multiple Vezina wins in his career, and so far, it is expected that he will easily notch his third should the Jets also come up with a massive run this season. At this point, one can argue that Hellebuyck will be the man to watch now more than ever.
Jeremy Swayman (+800)
After all that offseason drama with the Boston Bruins, it is no secret that Jeremy Swayman is now focusing on making the most of his run with the team, and one can expect that to be gunning toward the Vezina Trophy at this point in time as well. Despite sharing minutes with Linus Ullmark last season, Swayman really had an impressive defensive groove for the Bruins after he came up with a 25-10-8 record in 43 starts. He finished the season with .916 on save percentage (1,179 total) and a 2.53 GAA, including three massive shutouts. Now that he has the full starting role for the team, expect Swayman to make a strong case for the Vezina Trophy in his fifth year.
Juuse Saros (+900)
There are high expectations from Juuse Saros as he mans the defensive helm for the Nashville Predators this season. With the Preds building up a massive contender presence after that eventful offseason, Saros now needs to shore up his defensive performances with the team now seeking a deeper run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Saros finished with a 35-24-5 record on 1,672 saves, tallying a .906 save percentage and 2.86 GAA. One can expect the goalie to now make his presence felt on the big stage to win it all for the Predators.
Jacob Markstrom (+1,100)
Traded to the New Jersey Devils, Jacob Markstrom now has a chance to make a strong game for the team in hopes of also bringing his game to the next level and finally winning that Vezina Trophy – that has eluded him for so long. So far, Markstrom’s 2023-24 season isn’t really much of a blockbuster run with a 23-23-2 record in 48 starts, tallying 1,248 saves on .905 save percentage to go along with 2.78 GAA, which is expected to take on a much bigger level as he now brings himself to a bigger role with the Devils.
Who Will Win the Vezina Trophy This Season?
The criteria for winning the Vezina Trophy are stringent. Voters consider various factors, including goals-against average, save percentage, and overall team performance. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that the winner truly exemplifies goaltending excellence. Players know that being recognized with this trophy not only reflects their skill but also their dedication and consistency throughout the grueling NHL season.
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