Vezina Trophy Power Rankings: Shesterkin still reigns supreme
The fifth edition of theScore's 2021-22 Vezina Trophy Power Rankings features one first-time entrant and the return of a previous member of the list.
5. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: N/A
| RECORD | GAA | XGA/60 | SV% | HDSV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-8-4 | 2.27 | 2.41 | .921 | .825 | 14.77 |
It was inevitable that Vasilevskiy would end up on this list at some point, though it's a bit shocking that this is the Lightning netminder's first appearance this season. While many goalies endure hot and cold streaks, Vasilevskiy has remained as consistent as they come. He's garnered less fanfare than usual because his numbers haven't been as dominant as in years past, but he's quietly having an excellent year. He's only allowed four goals or more in six appearances this year while playing the sixth-most minutes (2,479) among all NHL goaltenders.
4. Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 3
| RECORD | GAA | XGA/60 | SV% | HDSV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-16-3 | 2.46 | 2.77 | .923 | .854 | 20.18 |
Few pegged the Predators as a playoff team entering the season, but Saros' superb play in net is a big reason the club is currently in the race. He's in the midst of a modest cold streak after dropping five of his last six contests, but his overall stats haven't taken much of a hit. He ranks fourth among all goalies with 20.18 goals saved above average.
3. Jacob Markstrom, Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: N/A
| RECORD | GAA | XGA/60 | SV% | HDSV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-11-5 | 2.10 | 2.42 | .927 | .851 | 21.14 |
Markstrom stumbled in December and January after a great start to the season. It looks like he's back on track, while the Flames have been one of the NHL's hottest teams of late. He's won nine of his last 10 starts and allowed two goals or fewer in eight of those victories. He also has an incredible eight shutouts on the season. With Calgary playing at an elite level, he should challenge for the trophy at the end of the season.
2. Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 2
| RECORD | GAA | XGA/60 | SV% | HDSV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-7-2 | 2.03 | 2.74 | .930 | .836 | 22.30 |
Andersen is having the best statistical season of his career and has the pleasure of backstopping one of the NHL's most well-rounded teams. The Hurricanes took a big gamble by completely shaking up their crease during the offseason, but the addition of Andersen - who struggled with the Maple Leafs last season - is paying dividends so far. Carolina sits atop the Metropolitan Division, and Andersen's play is a major reason for the team's success.
1. Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 1
| RECORD | GAA | XGA/60 | SV% | HDSV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-6-3 | 1.95 | 2.90 | .941 | .884 | 34.57 |
Shesterkin is showing no signs of slowing. He leads all goaltenders in virtually every statistical category and he's doing it while backstopping a less-than-stellar Rangers squad. At five-on-five, New York is second to last in the NHL with a 44.77 Corsi For rating and gives up the tenth-most high-danger scoring chances (664), so the team almost certainly wouldn't be sitting comfortably in a playoff spot if not for Shesterkin. Not only is he the front-runner for the Vezina, but he's also certainly in the mix for the Hart Trophy after Carey Price won the award in 2015 with a .933 save percentage and 1.96 goals against average.
Honorable mentions: Tristan Jarry, Thatcher Demko