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Season 18 Vezina Trophy

This year felt like the year of the traded goalie in the RSHL. So many good goalies this year and when the nominations came in it was so hard to pick that 4 players were nominated for the Vezina. Everyone of these nominees was acquired in a trade at some point during this RSHL season. The nominees were Tuukka Rask, Connor Hellebuyck, Corey Crawford and Alex Stalock. While all these goalies had great years each one was important to their own team in different ways.

Corey Crawford was acquired by the Islanders later in the season, but when he got there, a difference he made. After coming over to the Islanders he posted a 1.96 GAA with a .920sv%, and a record of 24-8-3 and is one of the main reasons why they are where they are.

Alex Stalock, was a late addition to the Ducks impressive overhaul of the roster, but seemed to be the final piece that was missing. In his time with Anaheim, he won 32 games and posted a 2.01 GAA.

The next nominee was Tuukka Rask. Rask came over to the Jets in an early January trade with the Canucks and helped to propel the Jets into the playoffs. 31 wins, a 1.97 GAA and a 918% save percentage, the numbers are just outrageous.

Finally, Connor Hellebuyck, continuing the trend for all the Vezina goalies, was acquired in a trade in January and really firmed one of the best teams in the league. Once getting to Edmonton, 40 wins, 2.04 GAA. Again, great numbers just like the other nominees.

This year the Vezina goes to Tuukka Rask. In response to winning this award, GM McAndrews had this to say:

"The Jets were extremely excited to acquire Rask mid-season but his performance somehow exceeded their lofty expectations as he put the team on his back almost willing them into the postseason. It's rare to see a goalie, who is new to his team, take such a strong leadership position but when Rask was in the net you could tell the rest of the team knew they were going to win. With a world class goalie between the pipes, the Jets truly brought into strong defense and winning with a team game. Rask's performance was sensational and enabled the Jets to make the playoffs despite trading away some big talent in a bit of a "retooling" year."

Congrats to Rask and the Jets and to all the goalies who were nominated for this award.

5/1/2021
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