Vezina Trophy Predictions

The line between the elite goalies in the NHL and the average ones has begun to blur. No longer are there only two or three goalies that absolutely stand out from the crowd year-in and year-out the way that Martin Brodeur or Dominik Hasek used to. Now, the race for the top goalie in the NHL is a much closer race and many goalies that hadn't ever really been in the conversation are now being thrust into the spotlight (see: Brian Elliot). So, making this prediction is harder than it used to be, but I'll give it a shot anyways.

Runners-Up

Jonathan Quick

Playing on an a Kings team that has the lowest goals per game average (that's right, lower than the offensive machines in Columbus and Minnesota) Quick is carrying the load for his team. He is the major reason that the Kings are in a playoffs spot right now. He is 3rd in the league in  SV% with .934, he's tied for second in shutouts with 6, and is 3rd in GAA with 1.91. He's been the go-to guy in Los Angeles since taking the reigns in 2008-2009. He is on pace to shatter all of his previous season records in both GAA and SV%, previous bests being 2.24 and .918 respectively.

Jimmy Howard

Although he plays on a strong team in Detroit, and Joey MacDonald is demonstrating why Howard may not be as important to his team as it previously appeared, the numbers don't lie. In a league where winning is paramount, Howard leads the league in wins with 32, and that is with playing just 44 games, seven less than second in wins, Pekka Rinne. Even after missing six games to a broken finger, he sits atop the wins lead. Howard is currently in 6th in GAA coming in just over two at 2.03. His previous best in a full season had been 2.26 two years ago. Being near the top in both SV% (T-9th) and shutouts (T-4th) further demonstrate the great year that Howard is having. Though his numbers are good, playing on Detroit will hurt him in the voting at also the year that the next guy is having will overshadow Howard.

Winner-


Henrik Lundqvist

Lundqvist is being noticed in The Big Apple for much more than his style off the ice this season. His style on the ice has led to a career year for King Henrik, and has launched his Rangers to the top of the Eastern Conference. Lundqvist leads the NHL in both shutouts shutouts with 7, and SV % with a sparkling .941. He's second in GAA behind only Brian Elliot who has played about 1000 less minutes than Lundqvist. With a 1.77 GAA Lundqvist would also shatter any of his previous career marks.  He is currently fourth in wins playing just 42 games while he shares some of the duties with Martin Biron. The lower amount of games does not affect that Lundqvist deserves the award for having an absolutely outstanding season. If he finishes the season on the same pace he is currently on, and if the Rangers can make it a few rounds deep in the playoffs, King Henrik will be the King of the Vezina and will look good up on stage, too.