The Sports Corner

Early three-way fight for Vezina

It’s obviously too early to predict the winner of the Vezina trophy (NHL goaltender of the year) but there are a few masked men already making strong cases for themselves.

With New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur - the winner of four of the past five awards - out of the race with elbow surgery, a new top creaser will be crowned this season.

And as of now, there are three leading that race.

Now before handing out TSC’s early season nominations, please make note that this is in no way a form of disrespect to any of the other goaltenders in the league as there are some tough competition in terms of statistics. But as of now, three stand out and they are no stranger to hockey fans.

Leading that list is of course Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo.

Despite a slow start in October, Luongo has taken November by storm, allowing only 10 goals in 8 games so far, averaging about a .970 save percentage. When it comes to league rankings, the Canucks captain is first in shots against, first in saves, first in shutouts, second in wins, and third in games played.

He also sports a 2.18 GAA and a .928 save percentage. He is the heart and soul of the Canucks team and if he continues this torrid pace, expect Hart Trophy (MVP) nominations as well.

One of his top competitor for the title is none other then New York’s Henrik Lundqvist.

The former Vezina runner-up is a major factor as to why the Rangers are leading the Eastern Conference. Prior to letting in five goals against Vancouver, Lundqvist went 12 games allowing only two goals or less.

He leads the league in minutes played, as well as wins with 12 - while on pace to beat his 37 wins record from the past two season. His .923 save percentage and 2.15 GAA are very similar to Luongo’s numbers, as the two will most likely be going head to head on the final ballot.

And with New York in the East, eyes will be focused on this man, but judging from the past couple seasons, that hasn’t phased him.

The final member of this trio is another backstopper in the Northwest, Minnesota’s Niklas Backstrom.

The 30-year-old goaltender is putting up spectacular numbers so far and is a huge reason as to why the Wild are fighting for the top spot in their division.

With 16 games played, Backstrom is second in wins and shutout, third with a .933 save percentage and fourth with a 1.99 GAA. At this rate, Backstrom can start reserving himself a spot among the NHL’s elite goaltenders, and not just because he plays in a defensive minded system.

But these three will have plenty of challengers, most notably Evgeni Nabokov who is currently bothered by injuries. Once healthy, the San Jose goalie just might be another top contender for the Vezina.

A surprise addition to this race is Boston’s Tim Thomas. The Bruin is leading his team to the top of the East, but more amazingly, he is number one in both save percentage (.944) and GAA (1.78). Those are brilliant numbers, and should be recognized for it. If he doesn’t drop off, Thomas just might be the long shot to claim that coveted trophy.

Other names thrown into this hat is Pittsburgh’s Marc Andre-Fleury, Ryan Miller, Carey Price, and of course, you can’t count out Miikka Kiprusoff just yet.

It’s going to be an interesting battle to determine the top goaltender of the season.