Sergei Bobrovsky, Antti Niemi, Henrik Lundqvist up for Vezina
New York goalie Lundqvist can repeat as winner
The NHL announced on Wednesday that Sergei Bobrovsky of Columbus, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Antti Niemi of the San Jose Sharks are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy as top goalie.
Bobrovsky went 21-11-6, with a 2.00 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. He helped Columbus get into playoff contention despite a horrendous team start to the season. He ranked second among NHL goaltenders in save percentage and sixth in goals-against average.
Lundqvist, last year's Vezina winner, tied for the NHL lead in wins by going 24-16-3 record with a 2.05 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. He ranked fifth in save percentage and is a finalist for the award for a fifth time.
Niemi went 24-12-6 with a 2.16 goals-against average and .924 save percentage, earned while facing more more shots than his fellow finalists.
Niemi, like Bobrovsky, had four shutouts. Lundqivst earned two shutouts.
The Vezina has never been claimed by a San Jose or Columbus goalie. Lundqvist's win last year represented the fourth time a Rangers netminder or combo has taken the award.
The award is determined by voting of the league's 30 general managers.
Chicago duo Corey Crawford and Ray Emery are the recipients of the William Jennings Trophy, which goes to the team with the lowest goals-against average.
The NHL will announce the winner of the Vezina during a yet-to-be determined time during the Stanley Cup Final.