Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins played an instrumental role in the team’s extraordinary regular season performance. Recognizing his outstanding achievements, Ullmark was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender. He prevailed over formidable contenders Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets and Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders.
Ullmark becomes the fifth goaltender in Bruins history to receive the esteemed Vezina Trophy, following in the footsteps of previous winners Tuukka Rask in 2014, Pete Peeters in 1983, and Tim Thomas in 2009 and 2011.
Throughout the season, Ullmark’s performance was nothing short of exceptional:
- Tying the Bruins’ single-season wins record with an impressive 40 victories.
- Maintaining a remarkable league-leading 1.89 goals-against-average and an outstanding .938 save percentage in 49 games, 48 of which he started.
- Notching two shutouts, contributing to the Bruins’ NHL record of 135 points alongside fellow goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
- Demonstrating consistency by allowing two or fewer goals in 36 out of his 49 appearances during the 2022-23 season.
- Making history by becoming the fastest goaltender in NHL history to reach the 40-win milestone in his 49th game, matching Pete Peeters’ franchise record set in the 1982-83 season.
Impressively, Ullmark boasted exceptional statistics according to MoneyPuck’s metrics. He led the league with a stellar .966 save percentage when facing unblocked shots. Additionally, he topped the NHL charts with a goals saved above expected per 60 minutes of 0.883 and an exceptional 0.88 goals-against-average better than expected.
Ullmark’s contributions extended beyond his netminding prowess, as he etched his name in NHL history as one of only 13 goaltenders to score a regular-season goal. This extraordinary feat occurred during the Bruins’ victorious 3-1 match against the Vancouver Canucks on February 25.
This triumphant achievement marks Ullmark’s second season with the Bruins since signing a four-year, $20 million contract during the 2021 offseason. Before joining Boston, he spent six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres after being selected in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vezina Trophy
Who won the Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s top goaltender?
Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender.
How many times has a Boston Bruins goaltender won the Vezina Trophy?
Linus Ullmark’s win marks the fifth time a Boston Bruins goaltender has won the Vezina Trophy. Previous winners include Tuukka Rask (2014), Pete Peeters (1983), and Tim Thomas (2009, 2011).
What were Linus Ullmark’s achievements during the regular season?
Linus Ullmark had a phenomenal regular season, tying the Bruins’ single-season wins record with 40 victories. He also led the league in goals-against-average (1.89) and save percentage (.938), while recording two shutouts. Additionally, he became the fastest goaltender in NHL history to reach 40 wins in a single season.
How did Linus Ullmark perform in terms of advanced statistics?
According to MoneyPuck, Ullmark excelled in advanced metrics. He produced a league-best .966 save percentage when facing unblocked shots. He also led the NHL with a 0.883 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes and a 0.88 goals-against-average better than expected.
Did Linus Ullmark achieve any historic milestones during the season?
Yes, Ullmark made history by becoming the 13th goaltender in NHL history to score a regular-season goal. He achieved this feat in a game against the Vancouver Canucks on February 25.
How long has Linus Ullmark been with the Boston Bruins?
Linus Ullmark joined the Boston Bruins in the 2021 offseason, signing a four-year, $20 million deal. Prior to that, he spent six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres after being selected in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft.
