This year's finalist's for the Vezina trophy were: Evgeni Nabokov, Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist.
When I was watching the awards last Thursday, I thought although Brodeur and Lundqvist had strong seasons, it was obvious who should have won it this year: Evgeni Nabokov.
Both goalies played 77 games this year. Nabokov managed to win two more. Also, Nabokov lost six less times. This shows that when the pressure was on this year in overtime and shootout, Nabokov took charge. And people please, don't bring up the past, the trophy was for this single year, not for Brodeur's previous outstanding performances.
Today's Must Reads
Nabokov took the shutout category as well, stealing 6, up to Brodeur's 4. I have to say, Brodeur's GAA was a very impressive 2.17, but Nabokov topped that at 2.14. Don't get me wrong, I'm a goalie, and I love Brodeur, but if the goalie's stats were switched, I think Brodeur still would have won.
It's time for the real heros to get some light.
comments (12) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
Nabokov definitely deserved the Vezina.
I'm sick of players being selected for awards based on reputation. Many of the awards mean nothing these days because the true winners aren't getting them.
Like when Crosby won the Hart over Luongo, or especially when St. Louis won it over Iginla in 2004 - that was a pure joke. St. Louis had Lecavalier, Richards, Prospal, Modin, Boyle, Khabibulin, etc, etc. Iginla had Kiprusoff and that was it.
2 months ago
and one more thing, how does Mike Babcock even get nominated for the Adams? What did he do that made his team so much better than it was last year? That's what the award should be reserved for, coaches who play a huge role in improving their team from one year to the next.
At least Boudreau won it.
from 2 months ago
Mike Babcock made a team of five superstars and numerous role players into a team that outworked you every game. Bourdreau deserved to win it, but Babcock is probably one of the best coaches in the league right now. Every where he's been he has been a successful coach and by the time he's done coaching his name will be remembered by every hockey fan.
2 months ago
I'm not saying Babcock isn't a very good coach, because he is. No doubt about it. But he had an excellent team. Yes, he did contribute to its success, but nowhere near as much as Boudreau or Carbonneau, IMO.
2 months ago
Stop crying about Nabokov. It might have been the closest vote ever.
Besides, Brodeur's been on Nabokov's side of the argument before.
His 1997/98 stats: Games played 70, Wins 43, Losses 17, Ties 8, Shutouts 10, GAA 1.89, Sv% .917
He lost the Vezina that year to Hasek.
His 1997/98 stats: Games played 72, Wins 33, Losses 23, Ties 13, Shutouts 13, GAA 2.09, Sv% .932
Brodeur always said that if he ever won the Vezina, it'd be with worse stats than he had that year.
Nabokov will have his chance.
2 months ago
Brodeur had a better SV% and faced more shots. If Nabokov faced the same number of shots with his SV%, his GAA would have been much higher than Brodeur's GAA.
The award is voted by the team GMs who have a good insight into the game and probably are less biased than the media voters for the other awards. Of course the lone 1st place vote for Lundqvist was a homer vote; Sather couldn't diss his own goalie.
2 months ago
GAA means nothing. Brodeur in 97-98 had both scotts, brian rafalski, and so many others. But his save percentage was 15 points below hasek's. The same case this year. Nabokov had a 910 save percentage while brodeur was around 930. Nabokov faced over 200 fewer shots than brodeur. I think people look at the good teams and assume the goalies better than he really was. Brodeur had better stats. Look them up before criticizing
from 2 months ago
rafalski was not on the team in 98
2 months ago
brodeur had .920 actually.
still goin with my opinion
2 months ago
And its quite obvious after reading, that Brodeur did not have the better stats. lol
2 months ago
when you mention overtime and shootouts...marty was a lot better in the shootout than nabakov....both played 12 games...marty had a save % of .774 to nabakov's .550...and plus like
James said....marty has been robbed of this award before....and him being a HOF had nothing to do w/ winning the award....he was just a tad bit better than brodeur...while marty had the defense that everyone said made him a great goalie...we'll he's the only reason the team was in first so late in the season (also parise)...but bottom line
san jose scored 20 more goals than new jersey did...marty had to stand on his head for wins and nabakov will get his prize one day
about 1 month ago
Do not get me wrong. I love Martin Brodeur. Just thought I should add that..
write a new comment