Surprise, Henrik Lundqvist Named Vezina Finalist
Teams don't have success without high-quality goaltending, so it's no surprise the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators have done so well this season.
The Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist, the Kings' Jonathan Quick and the Predators' Pekka Rinne have been named finalists for this year's Vezina Trophy, awarded "to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position" as voted by the general managers of each of the 30 clubs.
The winner will be announced at the 2012 NHL Awards Show, June 20 at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.
With Lundqvist at his best, the Rangers finished atop the Eastern Conference for the first time since the 1993-94 season.Lundqvist, already considered one of the elite goalies in the League, had perhaps his best season. He won a career-best 39 games while playing just 62, the fewest since his rookie season. He also had career-bests this season with a 1.97 goals-against average and .930 save percentage. He was in the top four in the League in wins, GAA, save percentage and shutouts (eight).
"It's a great feeling," Lundqvist said. "I'm really proud and honored to be with those names. It's been a year with a lot of good goalies, so to be up there, it's a great feeling. I take a lot of pride in that, but my teammates should feel good about it because it is about teamwork. Without them there would be no way I'd be up there."
"He is the backbone of our team, always has been," Rangers coach John Tortorella told Newsday. "He is one of the strongest competitors that I've seen as an athlete. Sometimes as a goalie, you don't see it. With him, you do."
No player in the League was as valuable to his team as Quick was to the Kings. Starting a personal-best 69 games, he had 35 of the team's 40 wins this season. He led the League with 10 shutouts, was second with a 1.95 GAA and fifth with a .929 save percentage.
His accomplishments came with almost no margin for error, as the Kings were 29th in the League in scoring at 2.29 goals per game. And while he had 34 losses in regulation, overtime or shootouts, the Kings scored two goals or fewer in 15 of them, and one goal or less in nine.
Thanks to Quick's play, the Kings were able to snag the final playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
"He's not just our best player, he's our most consistent," Kings captain Dustin Brown told the National Post. "The quiet confidence filters down to the rest of the players. It's huge."
Rinne signed a seven-year contract extension in November, and showed this season why he was so deserving of the richest deal in franchise history.
The League's workhorse goaltender -- no goalie played more than his 73 games -- Rinne led the League with 43 wins. He was seventh with a .923 save percentage while facing the most shots in the League (2,153). He also had a 2.39 GAA and five shutouts.
With Rinne in goal, the Predators finished fourth in the Western Conference with 104 points, their best season since 2006-07.
Predators goalie coach Mitch Korn told the Tennessean that the last time he saw a goalie play as well as Rinne was Dominik Hasek, who he coached in Buffalo in four of his six Vezina-winning seasons.
"The two of them are very comparable in that they're busy goalies, they like being busy and they're who the team relies on," Korn said. "That's why Pekka was a Vezina Trophy nominee a year ago … and Hasek was for a number of years.
"That's what top guys do -- they make good teams very good."
Here is what Blueshirtsunited.com has to say about it:
LUNDQVIST NOMINATED FOR VEZINA TROPHY
April 25, 12:59 PM EDT
Henrik Lundqvist was informed on Wednesday that he is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the league's top goaltender, and voted on by the general managers. It is the fourth time in his seven-year career Lundqvist has been a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, and the first time since the 2007-08 season.
"It's a great feeling, and I'm really proud and honored to be with those names," said Lundqvist, who is joined as a finalist by Nashville's Pekka Rinne and Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings. "It's been a year where a lot of goalies have been playing really well, so to be up there is really a great feeling. Obviously I take a lot of pride in that."
Lundqvist posted a career-high 39 wins this past season to go along with a career-low 1.97 goals against average, career-best .930 save percentage, and 8 shutouts. He ranked third among all NHL goalies in wins, save percentage, and shutouts, while placing fourth in goals against average.
"I think all of my teammates here should feel good about it because this is all about teamwork," explained Lundqvist, who has never won the Vezina Trophy. "I had a good year, but without them I couldn't have done this."
The winner be will announced during the NHL Awards show in Las Vegas on June 20th.
Here is what Sports.Yahoo.com said:
Vezina Trophy Finalists: Henrik Lundqvist vs. Jonathan Quick vs. Pekka Rinne
Getty ImagesThis award isn't in the hands of the Professional Hockey Writers Association; instead, it's the League's 30 general managers that vote for "the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position." Because if there's anyone that can effectively evaluate the performance of an NHL goaltender, it's the men who live in a constant cycle of regret for handing them long-term contracts.
This has felt like a two-horse race for months between goaltenders that might also have a legit claim to the Hart Trophy as well: Lundqvist and Quick.
It was that third finalist slot that provided some intrigue.
Would Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes get the nod for his career best 38-win season, with eight shutouts and a 2.21 GAA? Would Miikka Kiprusoff, every bit as vital to the Calgary Flames as Lundqvist and Quick were to their teams, get a nomination for his 2.35 GAA in 70 games; ditto Kari Lehtonen, who posted a 2.33 GAA and won 32 of 59 starts? Could the voters look beyond Brian Elliott's sample size and celebrate his 1.56 GAA in 38 games with the St. Louis Blues?
In the end, it was Rinne grabbing the third spot, no doubt due to his 72 games started and 43 victories.
Who wins the Vezina?
Why Lundqvist Deserves the Vezina
From the NHL:
Lundqvist was the anchor of a Rangers club that posted its best regular-season record since the Stanley Cup season of 1993-94 and captured first place in the Eastern Conference. He went 39-18-5 in 62 appearances, setting a career high in wins and becoming the first goaltender in NHL history with 30-plus wins in each of his first seven seasons. He placed near the top in all major goaltending categories: third in wins, tied for third in shutouts (eight), fourth in goals-against average (1.97) and fourth in save percentage (.930). Lundqvist is in quest of his first Vezina
Trophy win, following third-place finishes from 2006 through 2008.
It's his fourth Vezina nomination, which means he's the odds-on favorite to win the thing. He's the best player on the best team in the Eastern Conference, the backbone for everything they do well. He's also trying to become the first Vezina winner to have eight shutouts and a jam session with John McEnroe in the same season.
Why Jonathan Quick Deserves the Vezina
From the NHL:
Quick was exceptional in backstopping a Kings team that ranked 29th overall in offense to a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coming off a franchise-record, 39-win season in 2010-11, the first-time NHL Trophy finalist posted a 35-21-13 record to become the first Los Angeles goaltender to post 30 wins in three consecutive seasons. Quick led all NHL goaltenders with a franchise-record 10 shutouts and also ranked among League leaders in goals-against average (second, 1.95), save percentage (fifth, .929) and victories (T-fifth, 35). He allowed one goal or shut out the opposition in 27 games and surrendered two goals or fewer 46 times.
Jonathan Quick is the only reason the Los Angeles Kings made the playoffs and are now 12 wins away from the Stanley Cup. Frankly, he had less to work with than Lundqvist. The Rangers were fourth in the League in blocked shots; the Kings were second to last. The Rangers were 17th in takeaways; the Kings were 28th. Quick faced 347 shots shorthanded to Lundqvist's 263, and still posted a better save percentage.
Why Pekka Rinne Deserves the Vezina
From the NHL
Rinne was among the NHL's busiest netminders in 2011-12, leading the League in shots faced (2,153) and saves (1,987), tying for first place in appearances (73) and ranking second in starts (72) and minutes (4,168:52). He thrived under the workload, topping all goaltenders in wins (43-18-8) and posting a 2.39 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and five shutouts. He was particularly tough to beat with a lead, as the Predators posted the NHL's second-best points percentage when scoring first (.833, 35-3-4). Rinne earned his second consecutive nomination as a Vezina finalist, having finished second to Boston's Tim Thomas last year.
His numbers were actually down from the previous season, but his appearances (and wins) were way up. He's achieved elite status in this League, and his play in the playoffs against Detroit validates that. (But the "leading the league in shots faced" thing is a bit of a swerve; Mike Smith, on average, faced more, for example.)
Who Wins the Vezina?
Lundqvist. The Western Conference netminders, many of whom are playing in Round 2, split the vote; and as stated earlier, Lundqvist is "due."
Who Should Win the Vezina?
Jonathan Quick. Better GAA, dead heat for save percentage and had less to work with than did Lundqvist. (Let alone overcoming a coaching change during the season.) Either one can win without a second thought, and both are MVP candidates as well. But I'd give Quick the nod.
Here is what Aol.SportingNews.com had to say:
Vezina Trophy finalists: Henrik Lundqvist, Jonathan Quick, Pekka Rinne
The three men who could win the Vezina Trophy are still playing—and that's not much of a surprise
Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers, Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings and Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators were announced Wednesday as the finalists for the award, which goes to the NHL's top goaltender.
Henrik Lundqvist has never won a Vezina Trophy. (AP Photo)
— SN's award ballot: Who is Sporting News' Vezina' pick?
The winner will be announced June 20 at the NHL awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
Lundqvist led the Rangers to the most points in the Eastern Conference, going 39-18-5 in 62 appearances with a 1.97 goals-against average. He is the first goaltender in NHL history to record 30-plus wins in each of his first seven seasons.
Quick set a franchise record with 10 shutouts for Los Angeles, and was second in the NHL with a 1.95 goals-against average.
Rinne went 43-18-8 for Nashville. He also was a Vezina finalist last season, finishing second to Boston's Tim Thomas.
"It's a great feeling," Lundqvist said, according to NHL.com. "I'm really proud and honored to be with those names. It's been a year with a lot of good goalies, so to be up there, it's a great feeling. I take a lot of pride in that, but my teammates should feel good about it because it is about teamwork. Without them there would be no way I'd be up there."
Here is what ESPN.Go.Com said:
Lundqvist, Quick, Rinne are finalists
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been named one of three finalists for this year's Vezina Trophy, awarded to the best goaltender as voted by the NHL's 30 general managers.
Lundqvist is joined by Los Angeles' Jonathan Quick and Nashville's Pekka Rinne as candidates for the trophy, which will be announced at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas in June.
Leading the Rangers to an Eastern Conference title, Lundqvist recorded career-highs with 39 wins, a 1.97 goals-against average and .930 save percentage. The 30-year-old Swede also finished the regular season with eight shutouts.
"I'm really proud and honored to be with those names," Lundqvist said. "It's been a year where there have been a lot of good goalies this year and playing really well this year. To be up there, it's a great feeling. Obviously I take a lot of pride that. I think also my teammates should feel good about it because it's about teamwork."
Said teammate Marian Gaborik: "He's been the rock of our team. The stone for us all year. He's been consistent and we wouldn't be where we are and where we finished the regular season without him."
Quick has bolstered the Kings all season and been vital to their first-round upset of the Presidents' Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference playoffs.
Quick led the league with 10 shutouts and finished second with a 1.95 goals-against average. He also had a .929 save percentage, good for fifth overall.
Rinne also has enjoyed a tremendous series for the surging Predators, who knocked off Detroit in the Western Conference quarterfinals. After signing a seven-year extension with Nashville in November, the 29-year-old Finn finished with a league-leading 43 wins in a whopping 73 games played.
Here is what NYDailyNews.com Said:
Henrik Lundqvist named Vezina Trophy finalist, NY Rangers goalie joins Pekka Rinne and Jonathan Quick
Winners will be announced at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 2
BY PETER BOTTE / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
JONATHAN KOZUB/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
Henrik Lundqvist’s 1.97 goals against average is the best in his seven-year career, as are his 39 wins.
Henrik Lundqvist has another chance to be dubbed "King" of all NHL goalies.
On the eve of the top-seeded Rangers' decisive Game 7 Thursday night against Ottawa at the Garden, Lundqvist was named as one of three finalists for the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender.
Lundqvist has never won the award, but he was named a finalist for the fourth time in his career Wednesday — joining Los Angeles' Jonathan Quick and Nashville's Pekka Rinne, as voted by NHL general managers.
Lundqvist led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference's best record during the regular season, winning a career-high 39 games (39-18-5) in 62 appearances, with a 1.97 goals-against average and eight shutouts.
Quick was 35-21-13 with a 1.95 GAA and 10 shutouts for the Kings, while Rinne led the NHL in wins (43-18-8) with a 2.39 goals-against.
All winners will be announced at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 20.
Here is what SBNation.com said:
Vezina Trophy Finalists 2012: Pekka Rinne, Henrik Lundqvist, Jonathan Quick Named Top Goalies
Jonathan Quick, Pekka Rinne and Henrik Lundqvist are the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy, which goes to the NHL's top goalie.
Apr 25, 2012 - Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings have been named the three finalists for the 2012 Vezina Trophy, which is awarded each year to the NHL's top goaltender.
The league's 30 general managers submitted ballots for the award, and the top three vote-getters were named finalists. The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 20.
Rinne compiled a .923 save percentage this season and was worked to the bone. His 2,153 shots faced led the NHL, as did his 1,987 saves in 72 starts. He appeared in 73 games over the course of the year in total, tied for the league lead. He has never won a Vezina, but he was the runner-up to Tim Thomas in 2011.
Lundqvist, a two-time Vezina winner, ranked near the top of the league in just about every category: wins, shutouts, goals-against average and save percentage. His .930 save percentage was tops among everyday NHL starting goaltenders, tied with Phoenix's Mike Smith.
Quick has never won a Vezina, but his 2011-12 season was phenomenal, his third-consecutive season with 30 or more wins. He compiled 10 shutouts in his 69 decisions, allowed one goal in 17 games and allowed just two goals 19 times.
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