Jim Matheson Of the Edmonton Sun one of my favorite writers I like to read. His every Sunday column is always great. Today he addressed this Vezina situation.
Q: I keep hearing about how good Columbus goalie Steve Mason is. I understand he might be the best rookie. Would he have a chance to win any other awards? (Neal McLennan)
A: The Jackets, who have never made the post-season, would be dead in the water without their 20-year-old netminder who gives them a chance to win every night. He's going to win the Calder Trophy as top rookie, probably beating out Nashville's Pekka Rinne.
With nine shutouts, and a goals-against average of 2.23, Mason should get some strong consideration for the Vezina Trophy as the best goalie, an award voted on by the NHL GM's, although the Bruins' acrobatic Tim Thomas (2.11 average, 931 save percentage), Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff (42 wins) and Wild's Nik Backstrom (2.37 average, seven shutouts, 62 games), also have legitimate shots.