Linus Ullmark Looking To Do Something No Goalie Has Since 2007
Winning the Vezina Trophy twice in a row is no easy feat in the NHL. Among active goalies, only Sergei Bobrovsky has achieved it, back in 2013 and then again in 2017.
The last goalie to secure back-to-back Vezinas was Martin Brodeur in 2007 and 2008.
So, the odds might seem against Linus Ullmark, but if he can replicate his stellar performance from last season, he stands a good chance. However, various factors come into play.
The Boston Bruins underwent significant roster changes, with Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retiring. These changes are bound to impact Ullmark's numbers.
With a potentially less potent lineup, the 6'5" goalie may face more shots and scoring chances, potentially affecting his statistics.
On the flip side, Jeremy Swayman's emergence means Ullmark may have a lighter workload compared to last season. Swayman impressed as a backup and is likely to see more action this season.
Ullmark's advanced stats from last season were impressive, particularly in high-danger scoring chances.
He boasted a .881% save percentage when facing high-danger opportunities, ranking in the top five. Additionally, he led the league in goals saved above average at 48.51.
What truly stood out was his quality start percentage at .896%, a remarkable feat. Even if his advanced stats regress slightly, he remains a strong Vezina Trophy contender.
Ullmark's ability to make critical saves at pivotal moments was a highlight of his game last season, as confirmed by his advanced stats.
Despite playing 13 fewer games than his counterpart, he tied for the league lead in wins with 40, matching Alexander Georgiev of the Colorado Avalanche.
While the Bruins might not achieve as many victories this season, Ullmark's track record suggests he can consistently give his team a chance to win.
Should Ullmark clinch back-to-back Vezina Trophies, he would etch his name in Bruins history as the first goalie to achieve this feat and join the elite ranks of Tiny Thompson, Frank Brimsek, and Tim Thomas as a multiple-time winner.
Thompson secured the honor in 1933, 1936, and 1938, while Brimsek won in 1939 and 1942, including back-to-back wins in 1938 and 1939. Tim Thomas claimed the trophy in 2009 and 2011.
Source: Blackngoldhockey
| POLL | ||
Do you think Linus Ullmark can win back-to-back Vezina Trophies this season with the Boston Bruins? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 61.8 % |
| No | 21 | 38.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
