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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for the Vezina Trophy.
Todd Cordell
Connor Hellebuyck.
He carried an absurdly large, and difficult, workload for the Winnipeg Jets this season. He appeared in as many games as anybody, faced 40 more high-danger shots than the next closest goaltender, and nearly 16 expected goals more than the next closest goaltender.
Hellebuyck still managed a rock solid .922 save percentage, good for 7th among 58 eligible goaltenders (1,000+ minutes). His save percentage against high-danger shots was also above average, and nobody saved more goals above expectation.
Across all situations, only Detroit and New York (R) controlled a lesser share of the expected goals than Winnipeg this season. They have not played well – at all.
Hellebuyck just bailed them out on a nightly basis, which is why they’ll probably get playoff games if/when the NHL resumes the 2019-20 season.
He is my pick for Vezina and, honestly, you could argue he deserves some consideration for the Hart Trophy. He’s *that* important to the Jets.
Sean Maloughney
It has to be Connor Hellebuyck. Many expected the Jets to be dead in the water before even playing a single game this season. Trouba wasn't going to sign in Winnipeg and so the team was forced to trade him and then Dustin Byfuglien announced he would not be playing this season, shocking everyone.
With a depleted defense the Jets looked in tough to stay relevant in a competitive Central Division. Hellebuyck answered the bell.
Hellebuyck has faced more shots (1796) and played more games than any other goalie (except for Price who he is tied with at 58). Of the 14 goalies in the league who have logged at least 2000 minutes at 5 on 5, Hellebuyck ranks first with a SV% of 0.929.
Considering the Jets wouldn't even be close to a playoff team without his brilliant play, Hellebuyck has to be the obvious choice for the Vezina.
James Tanner
The Vezina should go to Connor Hellebuyck. He plays on a team with no defense, and one of the worst coaches int he NHL. Somehow he posted a .923 save percentage and kept the Jets in the playoff race and if the season is over, a playoff spot. Not only is Hellebuyck the obvious Vezina winner, it would not be inappropriate to also give him the Hart. After losing basically their entire top-four defense last summer, the Jets had no business making the playoffs, especially with their regressive management and coaching. Hellebuyck deserves the Vezina.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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