2009 Vezina Trophy nominees

[Commish]

The Vezina Trophy is handed out to the goalie judged to be the most outstanding player at that position. The winner of this award is selected by the GM's of the National Hockey Association.

Tim Thomas - 79 games played, 53-21-3, .902 SV%, 2.60 GAA, 4 shutouts.
Although overshadowed by Havlat, Hossa, Gaborik and Ovechkin for much of the season. Tim Thomas was as steady and confident as he's been in years. With 53 wins, good for 2nd in the NHA, Tomas helped lead the Eagles to the playoffs through his on-ice play and off-ice leadership.

Ryan Miller - 79 games played, 51-17-8, .904 SV%, 2.61 GAA, 6 shutouts
The Ottawa organization had big plans going into this past season with expectations never higher and were counting on Ryan Miller to lead the way. Miller did not disappoint as he guided the Vampyres to it's first ever President's Trophy with 118 points. Miller did not but instill confidence with his steady play in goal while still being very vocal and demanding of the players in front of him. Miller became a true leader for the organization.

Martin Biron - 79 games played, 45-24-9, .914 SV&, 2.41 GAA, 8 shutouts.
The always underrated Biron proved once again that he is a very good goalie in the NHA. This is the second year running that Biron has been nominated for the Vezina Trophy which is a testament to his technical skill and great conditioning. Biron led the league with a .914 save percentage and was 4th in wins with 45.

Evgeni Nabokov - 82 games played, 55-22-5, .907 SV%, 2.52 GAA, 9 shutouts
Nabokov played every single game this season for the Warriors, which would be unheard of for most goalies. Yet because of his high-end skills and off season training, Nabokov made it look easy. Not only did he lead the league in wins with 55 but also led in shutouts with 9.

[warriors]

If only nabakov showed up during the post season.

[RavensGM]

it's a little insane how teams are just playing their starter 100% of the time eeek. Especially since they are no Brodeur or Thomas of 08-09/10-11...

[WhalersGM]

NABAKOV ......................................

[Devils]

And Brodeur doesn't even come close to playing the entire season in the NHA

[Vampyre]

Sept 21, 2011 20:17:04 GMT -5 RavensGM said:

it's a little insane how teams are just playing their starter 100% of the time eeek. Especially since they are no Brodeur or Thomas of 08-09/10-11...

I tend to agree, it is a little much to see goalies playing 82 games in the season. But I'm not sure how the sim deals with this, as I can see there being problems come playoff time when practically every team (NHA or NHL) goes with a single starter in every game, barring injury. I would suggest that fatigue should accumulate if the starting netminder plays in back-to-back games with no rest day in between, therefore it becomes essential to play the backup in those situations.

And there could be a bit of strategy involved there too, for example, a 3 games in 3 days situation, whereby a GM might normally play his starter in games 1 & 3, giving the backup the middle game. But say that game 2 is against a major rival, do you play your starter in games 1 & 2, taking a hit in fatigue for the 2nd game or maybe in games 2 and 3, so the starter is fresh for the rival but still takes a fatigue hit for game 3....or even where the backup plays 1 & 3.

I believe this is the way it should be modeled, but that's just my opinion.

[JetsGM]

Votes are in.....

Rick
Devils

[Commish]

Nabokov has been awarded the Vezina