The NHL’s general managers have announced the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the best goalie in the National Hockey League. And look at what we have here…
Who’s going to take home the Vezina ? #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/3p5hwTEBUx
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 27, 2016
We wrote back in February that Jonathan Quick had an outside shot at the Vezina, despite not being among the league leaders in most individual categories. Clearly, his reputation as a big-time goalie, his 40 wins, and his consistent above-average performance throughout the season helped him in a year where no goalie really emerged as a dominant force. Braden Holtby was the undisputed best goaltender in the season’s first half, but his performance dropped off and he was no longer a shoo-in. Ben Bishop got the third finalist spot after leading full-time starters in save percentage, and would also be a deserving recipient.
I don’t think Quick’s going to win, but wouldn’t it be the greatest if he did? The Los Angeles Kings could have Vezina, Norris, and Selke nominees, and if you thought the Doughty-Karlsson debate was a mess, just imagine if Quick beats out these two.
Quick had a very good season. He led the league in starts, was top-ten in save percentage, was a star of the week three times, and made more mind-boggling saves than I can remember. He just probably wasn’t the league’s best goalie, At any rate, it’s his second Vezina nomination, and it’ll be fun to see how angry the world gets if he’s the one to end LA’s long individual award drought.