Linus Ullmark tops goaltending peers for Award

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Dorin Canaday
January 7, 2023 (11:58)

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Is Linus Ullmark the best goaltender in the NHL?

Well, his latest accolades make his case look that much better, especially for the calendar year of 2022.

As per NHL.com, the Bruins goaltender has been awarded the �'Unmasked Goalie of the Year'':

�'Since its debut in 2018, the Unmasked Goalie of the Year Award has strived to recognize someone, or something, that dominates conversations in the goalie world during the past 12 months. It won't always be a goalie, either. It could be a statistical revolution tied to the position, an equipment innovation, a coach who revitalizes careers, a new save technique, or even advocacy off the ice.

In addition to playing so well, Ullmark checked several of those boxes in 2022.

Ullmark beat out elite goaltending peers such as the reigning Vezina-winner Igor Shesterkin, Stanley Cup champ Darcy Kuemper and young phenom Ilya Sorokin.

The Swede also topped his opponents for his close friendship with his fellow puck stopper in Jeremy Swayman and his willingness to embrace and innovate his goaltending equipment.

Ullmark's awareness of specific details remains refreshing. It includes continuing to use some leather straps and metal buckles in an era dominated by nylon and Velcro, including adding custom options to facilitate better feel and seal in the butterfly.

The 29-year-old leads the NHL in wins with a very impressive 21-1-1 record, a 1.86 GAA, and SV% by considerable margin at .939 in the 2022-23 season.

Congrats to Ully! Vezina and/or a Stanley Cup next?