The 2022-23 NHL season passed the midway point, and the All-Star break is next weekend. We’ve seen some amazing goaltending performances throughout the first half of the season. Also, there have been some disappointing showings from goaltenders that regressed unexpectedly. With this in mind, at VegasBetting, we look at the 2022-23 NHL Vezina Trophy Bets, highlighting the best value before February hits.
Before we dive into the 2022-23 NHL Vezina Trophy picks, do a peek at our top NHL online betting sites, as well as the Vegas odds for the NHL in the 2022-23 season.
| NHL Vezina Award Numbers |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Linus Ullmark | -300 | -165 |
| Ilya Sorokin | +400 | +610 |
| Connor Hellebuyck | +600 | +460 |
| Igor Shesterkin | +1200 | +1075 |
| Jake Oettinger | +1500 | +980 |
| Andrei Vasilevskiy | +1500 | +1500 |
| Martin Jones | +1500 | +2800 |
| Alexandar Georgiev | +5000 | +3900 |
| Juuse Saros | +5000 | +2700 |
Now, the 2022-23 NHL season, showed us that the Boston Bruins bless us with not only being the favorite to win the Stanley Cup, but they have candidates for the Vezina, Norris, Rocket Richard, and even the Hart Trophy. With other goaltenders providing some outstanding performances, this causes some shifts and spreads in the numbers.
It’s time to plunge into the candidates, revealing a few best bets before the teams take a break.
NHL Vezina Award Bets begin with Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins. Again, the Bruins remain on pace to beat numbers thought never to be approached again. They are on a pace of around 135 points and led by the goaltending of Ullmark. Now, the Bruins’ starter is 25-2-1 with a 1.82 goals-against-average, and a .938 save percentage. This is on a team that currently is 38-5-4 at press time.
Let’s consider that Ullmark was not the automatic starter going into training camp. He asserted his role early in the season and never looked back. Boston’s long home winning streak was mostly paved by the goaltending of the Swede. He allowed a mere 30 goals in 17 home contests (14-1-1 record). Boston defeated all comers during that early streak and has never stopped since.
Boston’s goaltender leads the league with 25 wins. The next goalie is Connor Hellebuyck, with 23 wins in 37 starts. Martin Jones, behind the surprising Seattle Kraken, lies in third with 22 victories. Ullmark winning 25 games in 29 starts may be one of the most impressive feats this season.
With Ullmark backstopping the net like an elite goaltender, Boston can focus on scoring goals. Yes, the Bruins enjoy an eye-bulging goal differential of +83. That translates to 181 goals and 98 goals allowed. It surprises no one how the Boston goalie vaulted to the top of the numbers. He maintains being a favorite heading into February.
NHL Vezina Award Bets looks at Connor Hellebuyck pacing the Winnipeg Jets in goal. Few experts figured on Winnipeg being this far up in the Central Division standings. Despite a few bumps, the Jets have won 31 games so far. Hellebuyck ranks second in wins and has an impressive .925 save percentage. He also stopped nearly 23 goals saved above average (2nd in the NHL).
The Jets’ 31-17-1 start goes way beyond what anyone was expecting. Even Rick Bowness gets amazed by what the team has accomplished. He gushed about Hellebuyck, remarking how the goaltender remains so poised. His .730 quality start percentage ranks behind Ullmark among goalies that qualify.
The team features some nice offensive talent and defensive too. However, Hellebuyck faces 32 shots a night and still has posted three shutouts. If Winnipeg maintains this pace, the American expects to be a Vezina finalist. Even better is the spread among books when it comes to numbers. Take advantage of Bovada while one can because that gift may not last.
Can Igor Shesterkin rebound for the New York Rangers? That sounds crazy because the reigning Vezina Trophy winner has not played poorly. Regarding the NHL Vezina Award Bets, Shesterkin came in as the early season favorite. His 21-8-6 mark is alright, but his 2.44 goals-against-average and .918 save percentage leave room for more.
The Rangers need better backup goaltending but also some more timely scoring. New York struggled during the first month of the season, and Shesterkin showed his frustration. Over his last 17 decisions, the Russian won 11 times (11-4-2). Things keep slowly improving as the goaltender gets back into the fringe of the Vezina race.
New York sits third in the Metropolitan Division with 59 points while conceding 125 goals. This team can improve defensively because of Shesterkin. When he elevates his play, there are few goalies on this planet that are better.
The Rangers’ goaltender merits serious value. At +1200 on Bovada, he potentially has the best value of any goaltender in the top 10.
Quickly, Jake Oettinger (+1500 on Bovada) leads our other Vezina Trophy Candidates. The Dallas Stars’ goaltender made a huge splash last season. He nearly guided the Stars over Calgary single-handedly in the playoffs last season. Oettinger posting an early 21-7-5 record (20.53 GSAA) vaults him to the tops among value picks.
Next to Oettinger lies Juuse Saros. Saros keeps the Nashville Predators in the playoff race. The goaltender ranks fifth in goals saved above average (18.12) and can be found in some books at around +5000.
Before making your NHL Vezina Award Bets, check out our prime sportsbook reviews, which have plenty of information to help you find the best betting site for your needs.
