Jacob Markstrom, Juuse SarosAnd Igor ShesterkinTuesday's announcement of the NHL's 2021-22 Vezina Trophy Finalists was made. The trophy, which is given annually to the “goaltender adjudged the best at this job”, was presented Tuesday.
All three goalies were first-time finalists.
The Vezina is decided by 32 general managers from the league. On dates and times yet to be confirmed, the winner of each 2022 NHL Award is announced at Conference Final and Stanley Cup Final.
Markstrom, the Calgary FlamesHe is coming off a career best regular season. His personal highs include wins (27), save rate (.922) and GAA (2.22) as well as games played (63). The NHL's top player, 32 years old, also had nine shutouts. This surpasses the total number of shutouts that he registered between 2010-20 (8).
Markstrom was a key part of Calgary's Pacific Division title win with a record 111-point season. This is the most since 1988-89 for the Flames. Since 1989, Markstrom has been Calgary's Vezina finalist. Miikka KiprusoffIn 2006, Kiprusoff became the Flames' last goalie to win the award.
Saros of the Nashville PredatorsThis season, he was the NHL's most active goaltender. He played the most games in the league's highest 67 starts, faced the most shots and earned the second-most wins (38). This was in addition to a.921 SSV% and 2.64 GAA.
After Saros, Saros would become the second Predators netminder ever to win The Vezina. Pekka RinneThe trophy was won in 2018-19 by Rinne. Rinne had already retired from the 2021-22 and Saros took Nashville's crease in his hands. The 27-year-old held the Predators in playoff contention during their up-and coming campaign.
Shesterkin had one of the most dominating seasons for a goalie in recent history. Shesterkin was the New York RangersShesterkin was the MVP for most of the season, leading league starters in GAA (2.07) and SV% (.935) to go along with a record of 36-13-4. Shesterkin's strong play during the 26th-highest scoring NHL season was evident by his six consecutive starts (2021-22).
Shesterkin would become the sixth Rangers goalie to win The Vezina, and the first since. Henrik Lundqvist2012
