NHL 2022 VEZINA TROPHY PREDICTIONS

   With the NHL 2021-22 season coming to an end, there have been many more goalies than usual in the Vezina Trophy conversation due to their outstanding performance. The Vezina Trophy is awarded to “to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position” decided by the general managers of each NHL team. Some of the best goaltenders this season that could possibly win the Vezina Trophy are Igor Shesterkin, Jacob Markstrom, Frederik Andersen, or Ilya Sorokin. 

    First and foremost, Igor Shesterkin has developed into an impressive goaltender. In his third season, he has played 53 games and collected 36 wins, 13 regulation losses, and 4 overtime losses. He has a 0.935 save percentage, 6 shutouts this season, and 2.07 goals against average (average goals allowed). Many people do believe that he is the reason that his team, the New York Rangers, have clinched the 2021-22 playoffs. His exceptional performance this season is one of the many reasons why he could be awarded the 2022 Vezina trophy. 
  
    Frederik Andersen has additionally been a great goaltender this season for the Carolina Hurricanes. In his first season with the Hurricanes and his 9th career season, Andersen has collected 35 wins, 14 regulation losses, and 3 overtime losses in 52 games. In addition, he has 2.17 goals against average (average goals allowed) per game, a 0.922 save percentage, and 4 shutouts this season. Although he doesn’t have as good statistics as Igor Shesterkin, he has made spectacular saves this season. Andersen’s magnificent work in his 52 games is why he has a high possibility of winning the 2022 Vezina Trophy.

    Another goaltender that has blown many away this season is Jacob Markstrom. In his 13th career season and his 2nd with the Calgary Flames, Markstrom has recorded 37 wins, 15 regulation losses, and 8 overtime losses in 62 games played. Furthermore, he has 2.21 goals against average (average goals allowed), a 0.922 save percentage, and 9 shutouts. Although it is evident that there is a bit of struggle in overtime for Markstrom, his 9 shutouts is what really stands out the most when it comes to being awarded with the 2022 Vezina Trophy. 

   The last goaltender that has been extraordinary this season is Ilya Sorokin. In his 2nd career season with the New York Islanders, Sorokin has recorded 26 wins, 17 regulation losses, and 8 overtime losses in 51 games played. Additionally, he has a 2.35 goals against average (average goals allowed), a 0.927 save percentage, and 7 shutouts. The New York Islanders seem to struggle this year for many different reasons but Sorokin has truly been remarkable for this team this season. Having mediocre defense can really make it tough for a goaltender to save a good number of shots and that is why Ilya Sorokin has a high chance of being awarded with the 2022 Vezina Trophy. 
    
    These are just some of the goaltenders who have done a beyond fantastic job this season. Who would you like to see awarded with the 2022 Vezina Trophy?