NHL Awards 2016: Vezina Trophy finalists announced

The NHL has listed the three Vezina Trophy finalists for the 2015-2016 season.

Every season, the Vezina Trophy, named after the late Georges Vezina of the Montreal Canadiens, is awarded to the goaltender who is deemed to be the best at his position. It is decided by the 30 general managers, who submit a ballot at the end of the regular season. The NHL announces the top three vote getters ahead of the NHL Awards on June 22nd. For the 2015-2016 season, the three Vezina finalists are Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals, Ben Bishop of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings

Holtby will be considered the favorite to win the Vezina Trophy due to his 48 wins, which tied Martin Brodeur’s single-season record for wins by a goaltender. Brodeur appeared in 78 games during his 48 win season while Holtby got his 48 wins in 66 games. Among goalies with at least 2,500 minutes played in the regular season, he ranked fourth in save percentage (.922), and third in GAA (2.20). He was also fourth in shorthanded save percentage (.881) among goalies who saw at least 250 minutes while shorthanded. Holtby faced over 27.3 shots on goal per game.

Bishop has a strong case to win the Vezina Trophy. While he lacks Holtby’s gaudy win total, the stats favor Bishop over Holtby. During the regular season, among goalies with at least 2,500 minutes played, he was tied for fourth in wins (35), first in save percentage (.926), first in GAA (2.06), and finished tied for second in shutouts (six). Bishop also owned the best shorthanded save percentage of all goalies with at least 250 minutes played while shorthanded. Bishop faced 27.4 shots on goal per game.

Quick was steady in the net for the Kings. He finished 11th among goalies with at least 2,500 minutes played in save percentage (.918) and fourth in GAA (2.18). Quick finished second to Holtby in wins with 40 in 68 games played (the most among all goaltenders). He’s a curious choice over Corey Crawford of the Blackhawks and Cory Schneider of the Devils.

No matter who wins, the winner will be a deserving one. Holtby’s 48 regular season wins and nine regulation losses might prove to be an obstacle too difficult for Bishop and Crawford to overcome.

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