Russian Goalies Excel in the NHL: A Look at Their Performance
In recent years, Russian goalies have established themselves as some of the top performers in the NHL. Since 2017, a representative from Russia has consistently ranked among the top three in Vezina Trophy voting, with three winning the prestigious award: Sergei Bobrovsky, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Igor Shesterkin. Currently, these three elite goalies continue to dominate the league, showcasing their skills in crucial matchups.
This past Sunday, both Bobrovsky's Florida Panthers and Vasilevskiy's Tampa Bay Lightning achieved significant victories against formidable opponents, the Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils, respectively. The Panthers secured a 5-0 win, while the Lightning triumphed 4-0, with both goalies delivering outstanding performances. Together, they blocked 56 shots, with Vasilevskiy earning his second shutout of the season and Bobrovsky celebrating his first shutout of the year. Vasilevskiy was named the first star of the day, while Bobrovsky followed closely behind.
Despite his impressive performance, Bobrovsky's current statistics have raised concerns about his candidacy for the Vezina Trophy this season. With a save percentage of 89.7% and allowing 2.2 more goals than expected, he ranks 52nd in the league for this metric. In contrast, Vasilevskiy has rebounded from a challenging previous season, improving his save percentage to 92% and positioning himself among the top seven goalies in the league.
Meanwhile, Shesterkin, who plays for the New York Rangers, is also in the running for the Vezina Trophy, currently considered a leading contender alongside Connor Hellebuyck. Shesterkin's performances have been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency, as he faces a high volume of shots due to his team's defensive struggles. Despite this, he remains a strong candidate for the award, with bookmakers placing him second in the race.
As the NHL season progresses, the competition for the Vezina Trophy is heating up, with Russian goalies continuing to make their mark. With Vasilevskiy and Bobrovsky both aiming to reclaim their former glory, and Shesterkin striving for excellence, the spotlight remains on these talented athletes as they battle for recognition as the league's best goalie.
