Sweden has had its third Vezina Trophy winner.
Linus Ullmark was named the NHL’s best goaltender last night.
– To be mentioned in the same sentence as Pelle Lindbergh and Henke is huge, he says.
Linus Ullmark is not exactly new to the NHL, but he has never made such an impression as he did this winter. He played big throughout the season for the record team Boston Bruins, and tonight the reward came.
Awarded last night
Ullmark won a total of 40 games last season, had a save percentage close to 94(!), and came in first in the NHL when it comes to average goals conceded, save percentage and wins. Last night, he became the third Swede of all time to be named the NHL’s best goaltender, after Pelle Lindbergh (1985) and Henrik Lundqvist (2012).
Ullmark already spoke before the NHL Awards that it was surreal for him to be nominated, and tonight the happiness was enormous.
– We have only had two Swedish winners throughout history. For me to be in this position is huge, he told the NHL’s website.
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The tribute to the icons
And the fact that it is Henrik Lundqvist and Pelle Lindbergh who are the previous winners meant even more.
– They are two great inspirations in Sweden, Pelle and Henrik. To even be mentioned in the same sentence as the two is an honor and a lot of fun for me, he says.
Linus Ullmark also scored a goal this past season, the 13th goaltender in NHL history, but it is for the saves and wins that he is praised. And the fact that he has now had his big breakthrough as a 29-year-old says a lot about him.
– I have always known that I can stop pucks. But it’s different when everything suddenly falls into place. Playing with the team I made this season has been special, he says.
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