Vezina Trophy preview - 06-22-10
We are previewing the seven NHL awards which count this week. (Sorry Lady Byng fans.) This afternoon, we'll preview the Vezina Trophy which goes to the NHL's top goaltender.
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Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils (45-25-6 record, .916 save percentage, 2.24 goals against average, 9 shutouts)
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Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes (42-20-6 record, .920 save percentage, 2.29 goals against average, 8 shutouts)
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Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres (41-18-8 record, .929 save percentage, 2.22 goals against average, 5 shutouts)
Who we'd vote for: Bryzgalov. Frankly, we're disappointed he didn't get any nominations for the Hart Trophy or Lindsay Award as the league's MVP. He was that important to the Coyotes' success this past season. With numerous problems on and off the ice, the Coyotes were a threat to claim the top seed in the Western Conference. That was mostly due to Bryzgalov's dazzling play. Phoenix is a team short on offensive talent. But thanks to the structure of new coach Dave Tippett and the dominant play of Bryzgalov, the Coyotes were able to play with anyone.
Who will win: Miller. He also had an outstanding season and thanks to his stellar play for the United States in the Olympics and the fact he plays in an Eastern market, Miller has likely garnered a lot more consideration for the award than Bryzgalov who is marooned in a hockey Siberia. Brodeur had another typically splendid season, but you have to wonder how much of his success was based on the defensive system employed by former coach Jacques Lemaire.
(Note: With so much going on today - Matt Cooke, the schedule, the Hockey Hall of Fame - we'll save our previews for the Selke, Norris, Hart Trophies and the Lindsay Award for tomorrow.)