Ilya Bryzgalov Saving His Way into Phoenix Coyotes' History

The NHL has a three-goalie race for the Vezina Trophy this season: Martin Brodeur, Ryan Miller, and Ilya Bryzgalov.

Bryzgalov has built up a strong resume this season, as he is currently tied for first place with Miller and Tim Thomas in shutouts.

Despite playing in 32 games this season, his four shutouts have already bypassed his shutout total from last season with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Bryzgalov needs two more wins to register 100 victories in his NHL career. Seventy-two of those victories have come with the Coyotes.

Bryzgalov is ranked third all-time in Coyotes history, and could bypass former Coyotes Nikolai Khabibulin (92) and Sean Burke (97) for most wins in Coyotes history. By the time Bryzgalov finishes his NHL career, he will be regarded as the greatest Coyotes goalie of all-time.

If Bryzgalov can defeat the Anaheim Ducks tonight, then he could possibly secure his 100th NHL career at home on Saturday against another division rival, the Los Angeles Kings.

The Vezina Trophy candidate has been the Coyotes MVP this season as the team is two points away from the fourth seed in the Western Conference, and is five points shy of tying division rival San Jose Sharks for the best record in the Western Conference.

Bryzgalov has set career highs in shutouts, and is only six wins away from tying his career high for most wins in a season, and the season isn’t even halfway over.