As the 2014-15 campaign continues to get closer, I'll continue plugging along with hotstoves previewing the upcoming season.
I recently predicted the Norris Trophy winner for 2014-15, and in this edition I'll be doing the same for the Vezina.
If you look at the past history of Vezina winners, it doesn't take long to notice that a lot of goaltenders who win the award tend to win another one within a season or two; or at least finish as a finalist. If you win it once, and are still in your prime, there's a good chance it'll happen again.
That's why I'm predicting Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask to win the Vezina for the second straight year. Well, that and his .940SV% at full strength over the last two seasons.
As you can see, Rask's 5 vs 5 save percentage has been the best in the league over the last two years, and given most of every game is spent in that scenario, he's a good bet to finish at or near the top of the league in save percentage.
Given that he plays for one of the league's best teams, he should get a large chunk of wins. Add those to what should be a very high save percentage, and he should at least be a finalist for the award next year.
I was flipping back and forth between Rask and Sergei Bobrovsky, but that .940SV% coupled with a better supporting cast was too much to go against.
Who do you see winning the Vezina in 2014-15? Feel free to share your thoughts, as well as an ideas you have for future hotstoves.
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