2013-14 Season Preview – Vezina Trophy Predictions
As we count down the last week before the puck drops for real, SenShot will look at some of the major awards and give our top contenders and then also predict a winner. We kick it off with the Vezina Trophy for top goaltender.
Jun 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) shakes hands Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) after game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. The Blackhawks won 4-3 to win the series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Scott Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Sergei Bobrovsky came out of nowhere and carried the Columbus Blue Jackets within a couple of points of capturing a playoff spot.
So, who are the top contenders to take home the trophy this year?
Here are my top 5 candidates heading into the season:
Jun 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) plays the puck during the first overtime in game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
After winning the Conn Smythe trophy in 2012, Quick had a sub-par year by his lofty standards in the shortened 2013 season. He had a good playoff, but was unable to lead the Kings back to the promised land.
Regarded as one of the league’s best, and a leading contender to start for the US in the Olympics, Quick should have a bounce-back year and be in the conversation as the league’s best goalie by season’s end.
4. Pekka Rinne
Sep 22, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) stops a shot against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
After 2 stellar seasons, 2013 was an off year for the big Finn, who was hampered by nagging injuries. He had a streaky season, with stretches of greatness followed by periods of ineptitude, which resulted in the Predators missing the playoffs for the first time in 4 seasons.
If healthy, Rinne would have to be considered a top contender for the hardware, and has an improving defense in front of him that has recalibrated since the departure of Ryan Suter.
3. Tuukka Rask
Sep 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) keeps his on the puck during the first period against the Washington Capitals at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The “other” Finnish goalie stepped out of the shadow of Tim Thomas with a performance that vaulted him into the upper echelon of NHL goalies last season. Propelling the Bruins to the Stanley Cup final legitimized that standing.
Sep 16, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) watches the puck go wide of his net during the second period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
It will be interesting to see the system new coach Alain Vigneault employs will affect King Henrik. They still have a solid defensive corps and he is entering a contract year. Lundqvist is one of the best, and a former winner of the Vezina (2011-12).
Sept 19, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) makes as save on a shot from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Anderson was in the midst of an all-world season before he suffered an ankle injury that cost him what appeared to be his first Vezina Trophy. If the injuries suffered by the club proved anything, it is that Anderson is capable of being an elite goaltender and carrying a club. That got him some notice, and now it is time to repeat the performance to allow him to capture what was taken away from him last season.
OTHER NOTABLES:
While those 5 are my favorites to capture the Vezina, there are some others that could be in consideration.
Sep 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) plays the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Antti Niemi – A nominee last season, might be at a disadvantage because he is not seen as often as many other goalies.
Roberto Luongo – Can a return to undisputed #1 also mean a return to excellence? Luongo is still quality, but there will be questions until he can prove otherwise.
Corey Crawford – The guy who continues to get no respect, despite winning the Stanley Cup and posting a sub 2.00 GAA in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Sergei Bobrovsky – Based on his past stats, he is going to have to show that last year was more than lightning in a bottle for me to believe he can be a consistent contender for the award.