Most of the focus in hockey is on the skaters so forwards and defenders, but they aren’t always the best players on a team. The goalie position tends to be the most important position, especially when the NHL playoffs start. Pickswise has already taken a look at the skaters with the best odds of winning the Hart Trophy. Let’s take a look at the NHL’s best goalies this season and if they how they stand in the Vezina Trophy race.
Plenty of Strong Candidates across the NHL
When considered for the Vezina Trophy, some of the NHL’s best teams will always feature favorites for the award. This season is no different, as St. Louis’s Jordan Binnington and Boston’s Tuuka Rask can attest. It’s only natural the two players that protected their respective nets in last season’s Stanley Cup final are near the top of the list. Rask at +400 odds might have the inside track with strong numbers with a 21-5-6 record, and a .930% goal save average. Rask has made 903 saves on 971 shots against. But Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck tops the odds chart at +300 even with the Jets well-established inconsistencies. His numbers don’t quite match that of Rask, but his importance to Winnipeg staying in the hunt has been key.
Jordan Binnington (St. Louis) and Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh) at +600
The Blues Binnington was key to the Blues winning the 2019 Stanley Cup and he has once again put himself in contention for the Vezina Trophy. His record speaks for himself with a 24-10-7 record in 41 games played this season. He has a .909% save percentage this season, but his goals-against number trail many of the other top contenders at 110 goals allowed. Tristan Jarry has stood out of the Penguins all-season. He has a little bit higher goal save percentage than what Binnigton has been performing, but both share the same odds at +600 of winning the Vezina this season.
Who brings it Home?
All of these goalies along with countless others will make this race for the best goalie in the NHL a tight race for the rest of the season. Hellebuyck might have the best odds, but Tuuka Rask is too hard to pass on at +400. The Bruins have fought through the thick and thin of the season, but they are tough and seem to overcome the most difficult stretch of there schedule. The numbers say it all and Tuuka Rask is the likely favorite come June.
