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Connor Hellebuyck has won the 2019-2020 Vezina Trophy.
— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) September 21, 2020
The Vezina is a first for Hellebuyck, who was also nominated in 2017-18, and is the first individual end of season award won by Winnipeg in the Jets 2.0 era.
It is also really freaking deserved.
Did you ever watch a Winnipeg Jets game this year and wonder how in the world the Jets won? If you did, the answer was almost certainly Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck was dominant this season for the Jets leading them to countless undeserved victories.
He had a rough start to pre-season if I can remember correctly (it was literally a year ago), but his regular season was sparkling. He started in 56 games with a save percentage of 92.2% and a GAA of 2.57. He did this all while contending with too many five alarm chances and too little support.
Connor Hellebuyck of the @NHLJets received 19 first-place selections in amassing 123 voting points to edge out second-place Tuukka Rask (99 points), a first choice on 10 ballots. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/DLlktM08Ze
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) September 21, 2020
Hellebuyck only received 19 first place votes and barely won the Vezina all things considered. Based on his team and the quality of defence Hellebuyck had in front of him, I am shocked it was not by more. But Hellebuyck is the rightful winner and that is all that matters. Now get him so good defenders.