The Nashville Predators goaltender made a strong case for a Vezina nomination, but fell short of being a finalist this year.
The Nashville Predators goaltender made a strong case for a Vezina nomination, but fell short of being a finalist this year.
Tonight the NHL will present Linus Ullmark, Ilya Sorokin, or Connor Hellebuyck the Vezina Trophy at the NHL Awards. Ullmark, Sorokin, and Hellebuyck all boast some of the top save percentages this season, and Ullmark recorded an impressive 1.89 goals against average in 40 wins. Sorokin was in the top five in both save percentage and goals against average, and Connor Hellebuyck put up impressive numbers with a heavy workload. According to Bet MGM, Ullmark is the favorite to take home the trophy tonight.
Juuse Saros didn't get the votes to be a Vezina Finalist this season, but he certainly had the statistics and performances worthy of consideration. A closer look at his stats reveal a regular season that should net Saros votes from General Managers across the league. Saros finished first in goals saved above expected and wins above replacement and second in goals against average better than expected all while managing a heavy workload that included the most minutes on ice and the most saves on shots on goals.
If the trade chatter surrounding Saros is any indication, it's clear that general managers know what the Predators have in the 28 year old Finnish goaltender. Will that rumored interest translate into Vezina votes when the results are revealed?
One thing is for certain. Saros will definitely have one first place vote. At the end of the season press conference, Poile made no secret when it came to his Vezina ballot.
"The general managers vote for the Vezina Trophy every year," Poile said. "I don't know how many first place votes Juice [Saros] is going to get. I can guarantee you he got one."
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