Breaking: Hellebuyck, Kuemper, Vasilevskiy Named Finalists for NHL’s Top Goaltender Award!
In a monumental feat for goalies, Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, Arizona’s Darcy Kuemper, and Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy have been named as finalists for the prestigious Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top goaltender. This marks a third consecutive nod for Hellebuyck, pushing him closer to elite company, while Kuemper and Vasilevskiy rounded out a strong field with their stellar performances this season. The winner will be determined in June, with anticipation building among hockey fans worldwide to see who will claim this coveted title!
Rivalry Heats Up as Hellebuyck, Kuemper, Vasilevskiy Finalists for Vezina Trophy!
NHL’s Top Goaltenders Battle for Prestigious Honor
In a thrilling turn of events, the NHL has named its finalists for the 2022 Vezina Trophy, and it’s a three-way showdown between some of the league’s top goaltenders. Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck, Arizona Coyotes’ Darcy Kuemper, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy will vie for the prestigious award handed out annually to the league’s top netminder.
Hellebuyck: A Streak of Excellence
Connor Hellebuyck has cemented his status as one of the league’s elite netminders, making his third consecutive Vezina Trophy appearance. The 29-year-old led the league with 62 games played, starting in all but five of the Jets’ contests. He posted a 32-23-6 record, along with a .922 save percentage and 2.58 goals-against average. His consistency and workhorse mentality have put him in rare company, joining luminaries like Molière and Ovechkin as the only players to achieve this feat in their respective award categories.
Kuemper: From Underdog to Contender
Darcy Kuemper’s journey to the Vezina Trophy podium is nothing short of remarkable. After a mid-season trade from the Los Angeles Kings, Kuemper took the Arizona Coyotes’ crease by storm, compiling an impressive 27-17-4 record, .928 save percentage, and 2.54 GAA. With just 15 wins in 49 appearances last season, Kuemper’s turnaround narrative has captivated fans, proving that it’s never too late for a goalie to shine.
Vasilevskiy: The Lightning’s Foundation
Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s stalwart between the pipes, has been a model of consistency since his 2014 NHL debut. This season, he anchored the Lightning to the Presidents’ Trophy with a 34-13-4 record, boasting a league-leading .925 save percentage and 2.21 GAA. With two Stanley Cup championships already under his belt, Vasilevskiy is primed to add another piece of hardware to his impressive trophy case.
Did You Know?
Kuemper’s transformation has been remarkable – not only did he double his wins from last season, but he also became the first Coyotes’ netminder to record 25 or more wins in a season since Ilya Bryzgalov in 2010-11.
Pro Tip: Watch the Combination of Playmaking andopathy
Interested in what separates these top-tier goaltenders? Pay close attention to their ability not just to make save after save but also to control the game’s narrative. Exceptional goalies possess the uncanny ability to "play their angles" and force shooters into low-percentage shots. Moreover, they excel in ‘playmaking,’ or effectively managing the puck to create scoring chances for their teammates.
FaQ
Q: Who decides the Vezina Trophy winner?
A: A panel of hockey writers, broadcasters, and NHL executives casts ballots to determine the Vezina Trophy winner. The goaltender with the highest point total claims the award.
Q: When will the Vezina Trophy winner be announced?
A: The 2022 NHL Awards will take place on June 16, where the Vezina Trophy winner, along with other award recipients, will be revealed.
The Rivalry Continues
As the NHL playoffs heat up, so does the competition for the Vezina Trophy. With a record like Hellebuyck’s, a Cinderella story like Kuemper’s, and a track record like Vasilevskiy’s, it’s anyone’s guess who will skate away with hockey’s top goaltending honor. One thing’s for sure: sports fans are in for an exciting showdown!
Tell Us: Who’s Your Pick for the Vezina Trophy?
Now’s your chance to weigh in on this thrilling race! Leave a comment and share your predictions for the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner with our sports-loving community. Then, explore more articles on 247sports.new for all the latest news and analysis in the world of sports!