There is strong competition for the best overall goalie in the NHL this year.
The NHL just passed the midpoint of the season, and one of the stories so far has been the goaltending play around the league. With the Vezina Trophy awarded to the best overall goalie, my pick, Igor Shesterkin, has already won the award.
After Shesterkin, who has been the best goalie in the NHL?
However, let us look at five candidates who are strong possibilities to also win the award. They are in order of how they could finish, again behind my presumed winner Shesterkin.
Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators
Taking over the team for longtime Predator Pekka Rinne, Saros has lived up to the pressure with some impressive numbers this year. He has a .927 save percentage, 23 wins, 2.36 GAA, and 2 shutouts.
Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs
Campbell was once thought of as a career backup. However, Campbell has proven that he can play elite hockey and lead the team in a very tough division. His stats are a .926 save percentage, 20 wins, 2.26 GAA, and 4 shutouts.
Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes
Anderson was thrown out and left for dead in Toronto. He has regrouped quite well and is leading the Hurricanes into a playoff push. He has a .928 save percentage, 23 wins, 2.06 GAA, and 1 shutout.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
Vasilevskiy has been here before. The back-to-back Stanley Cup champion is again posting impressive numbers between the pipes: .922 save %, 24 wins, 2.25 GAA, and 2 shutouts.
Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers
Bobrovsky has had quite the turnaround this season. This is the Bobrovsky Florida wanted last year. He has a .922 save %, 21 wins, 2.46 GAA, and 1 shutout.
There are more goalies who could be mentioned here but these goalies top the list for me. Regardless of who wins this award can we be shocked at who wins based on the performances this year? Who are your picks for the Vezina Trophy this year?