One More Gem from Juice in Vezina Trophy Debate
While we know realistically that Juuse Saros isn’t going to claim the Vezina Trophy hardware over Linus Ullmark, I’m still hoping he adds another strong performance to his state line.
Saros leads the NHL in Goals Saved Above Expected and Total Saves. And it’s no guarantee that he’ll get his second-straight Vezina Trophy nomination with Illya Sorokin and Connor Hellebuyck also deserving candidates, and their teams are in the playoffs while Saros’ is not.
I think Saros has to go out with one more incredible start to leave the voters with something to chew on when deciding which three goalies get the nomination. It’s not an easy debate at all as this is a time when there are so many immensely talented goalies in the NHL.
"I think there's no better candidate for Vezina than Juuse Saros if you look a little bit beneath the surface."@WillyD1025 explains why #JuuseForVezina is the move.#Smashville pic.twitter.com/gkBS0kafv7
— Bally Sports: Preds (@PredsOnBally) April 11, 2023
It really all comes down to what the voters, the general managers, prioritize most. They don’t have any easy decision on their hands this year. But when you look at Saros’ heavy usage rate and yet he still keeps his numbers up there with the best of them, it makes for a strong case in his corner.
Not sure how the Predators will decide who starts which game, but I would think Saros gets the start vs. Minnesota, and Kevin Lankinen caps off the season against Colorado. Two goalies expected to be your duo again next season. Both have been major bright spots for the team. Let’s see them finish strong.