The NHL Vezina Race: Martin Brodeur vs. Roberto Luongo

Roberto Luongo The Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goaltender as voted on by the General Managers (and not the sportswriters) has basically boiled down to a 2-goalie race heading into the final weekend.

While there are a handful of fine goaltenders, Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo stand head and shoulder pads above the rest due to the fact that they've played exceptionally well while appearing in almost every one of their team's games this season. It will be tough for the league's GM's to make a final decision as both goalies are quite close together statistically.

Roberto Luongo (75GP 46-22-6, 2.28GAA, 92.1 SV% and 5 shutouts)

Martin Brodeur (78GP 48-23-7, 2.18GAA, 92.2SV% and 12 shutouts)

After a shaky start, Luongo has almost single-handedly pulled the Canucks from a team fighting for the playoffs to a team one win away from winning the Northwest Division. There has been a lot of talk here on the West Coast about Luongo's MVP chances, and he might get more marks for helping to rescue a team than Brodeur, who has played on a good team for many years.

Luongo's other advantage is that he's faced more shots-per-game than Martin Brodeur (28.97 to 27.87) and has been the busier of the two goalies in that regard.

Still, Martin Brodeur does have the wins record*, more games played, 12 shutouts, and the slight edge overall when you compare the stats. Unlike past seasons, where Brodeur benefitted greatly from a strong team in front of him, racking up wins despite less-than-steller save percentages, Marty has obviously been the best player on his team, and has had his best season ever. When the Devils needed him the most, Brodeur was there.

In the end, we will have one deserving winner, regardless of who the GM's choose.