Vezina Trophy | Hellebuyck named finalist for the third time

(New York) Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is a Vezina Trophy finalist for the third time in his career.


Hellebuyck, Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders and Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins were named finalists on Thursday for the trophy presented annually to the best goaltender in the NHL.

The 29-year-old from Michigan took the honor in 2020 and finished second in 2018, behind Pekka Rinne of the Predators.

Hellebuyck was 37-25-2 this season and was the goalie with the most starts in 2022-23. He finished with a 2.49 GAA and .920 save percentage, in addition to having four shutouts.

He finished 46 games with a save percentage over .900, leading all league goaltenders in that category.

He also finished second in total saves this season (1,807) and third in shots received (1,964). These totals represent a high among all playoff-qualified goaltenders.

Sorokin finished the season with a 31-22-7 record, 2.34 GAA and .924 save percentage. He led the league in shutouts with six.

Ullmark tied for first in the NHL in wins, going 40-6-1 in 49 games. His 1.89 GAA and .938 save percentage helped the Bruins post the best season in league history, with 65 wins and 135 points.

Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman won the William-M. – Jennings, awarded to the goaltender duo having allowed the fewest goals during the regular season (177).


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