Ullmark Could Have Some Opposition in the Race for the Vezina
Linus Ullmark has been the frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy for most of the season, but a late-season surge has introduced an unexpected goaltender into the discussion.
Not as Clear-Cut as Initially Assumed
Although Ullmark has consistently been the top goaltender in the league, a fellow All-Star has climbed the rankings and might now pose a challenge to the Bruins' goalie for the award.
According to moneypuck.com, Juuse Saros has overtaken Ullmark for the league lead in GSAx, the first to do so since the beginning of the 2022-23 season.
Saros is also the sole goaltender in the top-10 who is not on a current playoff-bound team.
That being the Nashville Predators, who traded Mattias Ekholm, Nino Niederreiter, Markus Granlund, and Tanner Jeannot, and are now missing Roman Josi, Ryan Johanson, Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, and William Carrier due to injury, but are only one point away from a Western Conference playoff spot.
Saros' season record stands at 31-22-7, with a 2.71 GAA and a .918 SV%. While his recent performances have placed him in contention, it will be difficult for any goalie to dethrone Ullmark for the Vezina.
Ultimately, Ullmark is likely to win it due to his steady dominance. The Swedish goaltender currently leads all NHL goalies in wins (38), GAA (1.90), and SV% (.937), and notably, has scored one goal.
As read on Bruins Insider - Ullmark May Face Some Competition for the Vezina Trophy After All.
| POLL | ||
8 AVRIL | 413 ANSWERS Ullmark Could Have Some Opposition in the Race for the Vezina Who SHOULD win the Vezina Trophy? | ||
| Ullmark | 404 | 97.8 % |
| Saros | 6 | 1.5 % |
| Hellebuyck | 1 | 0.2 % |
| Sorokin | 2 | 0.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
