Winnipeg Jets: Connor Hellebuyck named Vezina finalist
The NHL has named the Vezina Trophy finalists for the 2017-2018 season. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Pekka Rinne were also named, alongside the Winnipeg Jets own Connor Hellebuyck.
This is another first for the Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg Jets franchise, as they’ve never before had a Vezina finalist.
The franchise that’s now residing in Winnipeg has long since been searching for a true number one goaltender, and it’s hard to argue that they haven’t found him. Connor Hellebuyck was a top 5 guy in save percentage (.924, fifth) and GAA (2.36, fourth).
Hellebuyck even set a record for American born goalies in wins – with 44 – this season. Hellebuyck topped the record set by Tom Barrasso in 1993, just by one win. Marty Brodeur has the all-time record at 48, tied with Braden Holtby.
Andrei Vasilevskiy and Pekka Rinne had 44 and 42 wins, respectively, so this was a voting heavy on the goalie wins. The 24 year old Hellebuyck wasn’t even really supposed to be the starter, as Steve Mason was signed to give him more time after the youngster struggled last season.
But Mason was, well, bad, and then he was hurt, giving way to Hellebuyck. Helly took it and ran with the opportunity. He played in a league-high 67 games, starting 64, and faced more shots than every goalie save two.
But here’s the rub on the Connor Hellebuyck nomination: He probably won’t win.
An amazing season, truly, setting franchise and American records, but it’s unlikely to end with hardware. Actually, he might. I went into this knowing the 23 year old Russian, Andrei Vasilevskiy, would end up with it. But it seems he faded down the stretch.
He led the league in shutouts with 8, but had only a .920 save percentage. That surprised me, actually, as he was pushing .940 around Christmas, but watched his percentage fall in every month following. January, February, March? .916, .916 and .883. Huh, it’s possible the heavy workload wore him down.
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Some idiot suggested Vasilevskiy would win with ease and Hellebuyck would need a huge run to get consideration, but that’s kinda what happened. Helleybuck posted a .931 save percentage in his last 15 starts.
This all ignores Pekka Rinne, however, who nabs his fourth Vezina nod, although he’s never won the award. Rinne also had eight shutouts. Rinne’s .927 save percentage was good for second in the league, and his 2.31 GAA was third.
Rinne was just rock steady the entire season, as his lowest save percentage in a month was .915 and his highest was .946. He’s a huge reason the Predators are the best team in the league. Actually, the top three teams in points were the ones with Vezina nominees.
Next: Winnipeg Jets Win First Playoff Game
I anticipated writing this thinking that Vasilevskiy was the favorite, and Helleybuck wasn’t going to have much of a shot. Now, honestly, it’s anybody’s award. Rinne probably wins, and our American Hero likely finishes second, but who knows. The winner will be announced on June 20th, so stay tuned.