New York Islanders 2016-17 NHL Awards Edition

Vezina Trophy

Finalists: Thomas Greiss, Jaroslav Halak, Jean-Francois Berubé

Awarded to: the team’s top goaltender

I guess this is what Garth Snow wanted? Because if this was any other NHL team we couldn’t have filled a three name ballot. Because most teams don’t carry three goalies on their active roster.

But not the Islanders. They had the three for the better part of the season. There was that two month period where Halak was demoted to the AHL. But he was quickly called up when Berubé announced to everyone that he wasn’t an NHL caliber goalie with a 3.42 GAA and 0.889 SV% in 14 games played.

Thomas Greiss was once again given the reigns to the team when Halak was sent to the AHL at the end of December following a 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

He responded with 26 wins, a 2.69 GAA and a 0.913 SV% in 51 games. For much of his time as the number one goalie, Greiss was also the number two. Playing in back-to-backs and even having to come in as relief for Berubé.

Halak for his part had a terrible terrible first half of the season with an 0.899 SV% and a 3.05 GAA from October through December. But then in Bridgeport Halak found himself, or something. In 27 games played, he put up a 17-7-1 record with a nice 0.925 SV% and 2.15 GAA.

With Berube proving to be an incapable back-up, the Isles had to call Halak back from the AHL. And he responded. Helping the Isles push for a playoff spot till the 81st game of the season with a fantastic 0.949 SV% and .1.57 GAA.