Pekka Rinne Named Vezina Trophy Finalist

The fourth time should be the charm.
Pekka Rinne has been named one of three finalists for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender, as voted on by the 31 general managers across the League. It's Rinne's fourth Vezina nomination over his career, but he's never captured the award.
However, Rinne is the frontrunner this time around. Out of goaltenders who played at least 50 games this season, Rinne finished first in save percentage (.927), even-strength save percentage (.938) and goals-against average (2.31). In addition, the Kempele, Finland, native recorded 42 wins to finish third in the League in the category.

Rinne tied for first in the NHL in shutouts with eight, a career high. He was even better as the season progressed, going 23-5-1 in his final 29 appearances. From Jan. 6 to the conclusion of the 2017-18 regular season, he posted a 2.17 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage to go along with five shutouts. The Predators earned 47 of 58 possible points in Rinne's final 29 starts of 2017-18.
The netminder also recorded a personal 11-game win streak from Feb. 19 to March 19, matching the longest of his NHL career.
At 35 years of age, Rinne had arguably the best regular season of his career. The GMs took notice, and if all goes according to play, the man who receives the loudest cheers of any of his teammates at Bridgestone Arena will receive yet another standing ovation in two months' time.
The 2018 NHL Awards will take place in Las Vegas on June 20th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.