The Case For: Sergei Bobrovsky Winning the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's Top Goalie

Here's his case for the Vezina Trophy, given annually to the NHL's top goaltender.

Stats

When it comes to the pure numbers, Bobrovsky has built a strong case. The Russian netminder leads the league in wins (41), goals-against average (1.97) and save percentage (.935) among goalies that have played in 25-plus games and is tied for second in shutouts with seven. The NHL All-Star set a club record with his 34th win of the season on Mar. 5, surpassing Steve Mason (33 wins; 2008-09).

Not only that, he has finished with perhaps the best month any goaltender has had this season. Bobrovsky is 12-2-2 with a 1.37 GAA, .959 save percentage and 4 shutouts in his past 16 games and is riding a 12-game point streak (10-0-2) with a 1.07 GAA and .968 save percentage. In March, he is 9-0-1 with a 0.99 GAA and .971 save percentage.

Making his Case

There's very little doubt the Blue Jackets have been one of the surprises of the NHL season, and it's also fair to say that without Bobrovsky's standout play, none of it would be possible.

Want proof? Look at a season ago, when Bobrovsky went into a funk at the beginning of the season. The goaltender totally lost confidence and sent the Blue Jackets into a spiral, an 0-8 start that cost coach Todd Richards his job and netted John Tortorella in the coaches' chair.

While Tortorella has done a lot to remake this team into a winner, there's little doubt the most important position on the ice is in net, and Bobrovsky has been a wall for a team that has been in Presidents' Trophy consideration for much of the season. This is especially true for a team with a young defense, and Bob has played steady enough to allow such youngsters as Zach Werenski, Markus Nutivaari and even Seth Jones to become more and more comfortable and show confidence going forward aggressively.

In addition to his standout numbers – the best in the league for any goalie – Bobrovsky's play has been essential to his team's maturation and success.

In Action

The Field

When it comes to statistical competitors, the closest goalie to Bobrovsky has been Washington's Braden Holtby, who appears to be on his way to backstopping the team to a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy. Holtby is looking to repeat as the Vezina winner and his numbers are excellent, as he boasts a 40-11-6 record along with a 2.04 GAA and .926 save percentage.

A few months ago, it looked like the top competition would be Minnesota's Devan Dubnyk, who was the backbone of a Wild team that seemed to be racing to the top record in the Western Conference. But the Wild have cooled off and so have Dubnyk, who now sits at 37-19-5 with a 2.23 GAA and .924 save percentage.

Also in the mix are Carey Price of Montreal (36-18-5, 2.23, .924), Edmonton's Cam Talbot (third in wins with 39, 2.37, .921) and Tampa Bay's Peter Budaj (third in GAA at 2.16 after spending most of the season in LA).

Should He Win It?

It's really hard to go with any goaltender other than Bobrovsky. Best numbers in the league? Check. Crucially important to his team? Check. (Of course, you can say this of any goaltender, but Washington has been a consistent playoff team and has a stacked roster, while the CBJ is in uncharted territory.) Want some fancy stats? Bobrovsky leads NHL goalies in adjusted goals against, goalie point shares, quality start percentage and goals saved above average.

Will He Win It?

He almost has to. In 2013 when Bobrovsky won the award, his play down the stretch differentiated him from the rest of the field and clinched the award. The same thing is happening this season thanks to Bobrovsky's dominant March, and only a total collapse by the Blue Jackets backstopper will allow any other goalie to get within sniffing distance of his major numbers. Bobrovsky checks off all the intangibles boxes as well, and he should add to his trophy case this offseason.

Recent Vezina Trophy Winners