As we continue to look ahead to Wednesday night's NHL Awards in Las Vegas, it's time to consider the candidacy of Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne for the Vezina Trophy, which goes to the top goaltender as voted upon by the NHL's general managers. Pekka had the breakout season that Preds fans were hoping for in 2010-11, but faces daunting competition in the two guys who faced off in the Stanley Cup Final, Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas.
Follow after the jump as we chip in our two cents...
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Here's what the OTF crew had to say, chime in with your thoughts in the comments below.
Dirk: Tim Thomas - the guy set an all-time record in save percentage this season, which simply can't be denied, along with the clout that comes with his 2009 Vezina victory. Pekka Rinne would win in many other years, but he'll have his chances down the road.
Chris: Tim Thomas - sure, his games played number is low, but there's no way to argue with that save percentage. Pekka will get his eventually.
Sam: Tim Thomas - Pekka was robbed.
Marc: Tim Thomas - I love Rinne just as much as anybody, but Tim Thomas absolutely deserves this award. He put together one of the best regular seasons a goaltender's ever had, and it shows on the scoresheet.
