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Vezina Trophy: Braden Holtby Serious Candidite For Vezina Trophy.

By Santagata JJ |
March 12, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) defends the goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 12, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) defends the goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Vezina Trophy: With So Many Outstanding Netminders This Season It’s Going to be Hard to Choose Just One, But Someone Has to Win It and Holtby May Be That Guy!

Is there anyone else who can compare to Braden Holtby and his Vezina trophy year yet again. There have been a few solid goalies this season, but one goaltender who stands out year after year, Braden Holtby. Holtby has brought this team to the playoffs for the past three seasons now. Of course, he has not won the Stanley Cup but you cannot simply sit there and say the Capitals would be the same team without Holtby.

Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Back to Back Vezina Trophies

Back to back Vezina trophies would be impressive and just provides even more of a reason why Holtby should win the Vezina again. Last season Holtby won the Vezina with 2.20 goals against average, 141 goals against and 3 shutouts. This year Holtby is twelve wins shy of his last season numbers, already has exceeded his shutouts from last season, with 8. While posting a 2.05 goals against average through 55 games started.

A Look at this season

    Holtby is ranked third among goaltenders for wins(36) two shy of the league lead. Second in goals against average(2.05) which he is .01 behind the league lead. As well has allowed 110 goals this season through 55 games, most among any goalie who has played in 50 games or more. Lastly, Holtby holds the lead for shutouts among all goaltenders this season with 8. Holtby has been a freak of nature this season if you thought he was good last year this season, somehow some way Holtby continues to impress.

Next: Zach Werenski Deserves Calder Trophy

Mar 9, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

   I’m sure you can argue a few other goaltenders this season, but Holtby has consistently been the best goalie in the NHL for the past three years. Understanding the Vezina is based on this year’s statistics, but take into consideration one thing. Holtby has 125 wins out of the 193 games he has played in thus far for the past three seasons. Has a 2.15 goals against average, allowed 408 goals against on a total of 5,315 shots over the past three years. Holtby has been the most consistent goalie. Has helped his team to the President’s trophy two seasons in a row. A Vezina winner already. Holtby will win the Vezina again this season.

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