New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist wins Vezina Trophy for top Goalie -NHL Update
Henrik Lundqvist is known to be one of the best goalies in the National Hockey League (NHL), but no one was expecting him to take home the Vezina Trophy after Jonathan Quick led Los Angeles Kings to their first franchise Stanley Cup championship this year.
Defying all odds, Lundqvist was named the best goalie of the 2011-2012 NHL regular season as he led New York Rangers to the Eastern Conference’s top spot with 109 points but failed to get past Martin Brodeur and New Jersey Devils in the postseason conference
finals.
"I don't think I realize it yet," Lundqvist said. "I'm up against two guys that are great goalies that put up great numbers. I was just hoping to win. I've been up for it a few times. Every time you're nominated, it is a great feeling to be recognized for
what you do out there and that people appreciate what you do."
This year was not Henrik Lundqvist’s first time being nominated for the top goalie award, thus, he was prepared not to win it for a fourth time, but luckily, things managed to work out his way.
He was also up for the league’s MVP award, the Hart Trophy, along with the Ted Lindsay Award, but fell short in both categories. Winning the Vezina covered it all up and ended the night well for the veteran goalie.
"Personally, I was just happy to be nominated," Lundqvist said. "I didn't expect to win. I think Malkin deserved it. He was outstanding this year and really dominated for a long time this year."
Lundqvist played 62 games during the regular season and had a .930 save percentage along with an impressive 1.97 goals-against average. He got even better in the postseason with all 20 games played and a .931 save percentage and 1.82 goals-against average.
He definitely got close to the Stanley Cup this year and with a Vezina Trophy under his belt, the upcoming season will be one he hopes to go all the way for sure.
For now though, Henrik Lundqvist will just have to sit and wait until October to kick off another highly anticipated hockey year.
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