In the long NHL season, trying to project year-end award winners during the first month is a fool's game, but it's also a lot of fun.
Remember Game 1, when Auston Matthews was on pace for a 328-goal rookie season? Rocket Richard and Calder Trophies for sure, am I right?
Matthews has come back down to earth somewhat—his pace has dropped to a mere 49.2 goals—but early-season scoring is up all around the league. Carolina Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters suggested the offensive kick is fuelled by an influx of young talents who "give up as much as they generate," per Kevin Allen of USA Today. "[The puck] is going in the net. Your net or their net.”
Somehow, the league's hottest goaltenders are simultaneously putting up incredible performances. In some cases, they're shutting the door to all challengers to generate stratospheric save percentages, and in other cases, they're doing what's needed to help their respective teams pick up wins.
Based on the first three weeks of the season, here are the early contenders for the 2016-17 Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender. Who do you think will be a ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Carol Schram
Way-Too-Early Ranking of the Top Candidates for the 2016-17 Vezina Trophy
November 3rd, 2016 by Carol Schram Leave a reply »
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