2010-11 Vezina Trophy favourites
The Vezina Trophy is given the goaltender who is judged to be the most valuable to his team at the end of the season. A year long battle, the Trophy takes into account all of the goaltending statistical categories, as well as the success of the team. Recent winners include Tim Thomas, Martin Brodeur, and Mikka Kiprusoff.
Last season’s winner – Ryan Miller
Ilya Bryzgalov – Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes had a break out season last year, and most of credit has to go to goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.
Picked up off waivers, when former Anaheim Ducks General Manager Brian Burke was forced to dump him because of salary cap restrictions, Bryzgalov has been the saviour for the Coyotes. Last season with the club he put up spectacular numbers with a .920 save-percentage, and a 2.29 goals-against-average. Had it not been for a near-perfect season from Miller, Bryzgalov would have claimed the Vezina.
Next season one can expect similar numbers from the Russian netminder, as the Coyotes enter a second season with head coach Dave Tippett, who is focused on defensive hockey. Perhaps the best team in their own end last season, the Coyotes should once again provide Bryzgalov with the opportunity to challenge for the Trophy.
Tuukka Rask – Boston Bruins
Although Tuukka Rask has only played one season in the National Hockey League, it is clear that he has what it takes to be an elite goalie. Last season with the Bruins, Rask was sensational, leading the leading the League with a .931 S%, and a 1.97 GAA. In addition Rask was able to accumulate five shut-outs, good enough for seventh among all netminders, in only 45 games.
Expect Rask to take over the starting duties full time next season, which should push his win total well over last year’s 22. Moreover, the Bruins look once again to be a highly competitive team in the Eastern Conference, helping Rask’s chances at winning the Trophy.
Roberto Luongo – Vancouver Canucks
Although Roberto Luongo struggled to find his game last year, he is still one of the NHL’s most outstanding goaltenders, and next season, he should return to prominence.
Luongo’s numbers were strong last year as the veteran put together a .913 S%, and a 2.57 GAA, along with four shut-outs. However, these numbers are not what hockey fans have come to expect from the Montreal native.
Vancouver has addressed their lack of depth on the blue line, and can now boast one of the most impressive offensive units in the League. Luongo is only going to benefit from his team’s improvement in 2010-11. With solid names such as Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard joining the defence core, the tender should get more protection come puck drop in October.
Moreover, it looks as though the Canucks will take the captaincy away from Luongo, who was thought to be buckling under the pressure of the ‘C’. It was considered a poor decision when he was given the role, and it will certainly be weight off his shoulders, if in fact it is taken away this off-season.
Ryan Miller – Buffalo Sabres
Having won the award last year Miller can once again be considered a favourite for the Vezina in 2010-11. His Sabres owe much of last season’s success to the outstanding play of the 30-year-old. Last year Miller was more than special, managing an outstanding .929 S%, and an astonishing 2.22 GAA, while registering five shutouts.
What makes Miller’s success last season so incredible was the lack of depth on the Buffalo blue line. Unfortunately for him, the Sabres face the same problems going into next year’s campaign although, another bailout from the Michigan native would certainly help his case for back-to-back Trophies.
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