Lundqvist rewarded with Vezina Trophy

Jun 21, 2012 - 1:08 AM Las Vegas, NV (Sports Network) - Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers was selected the winner of the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender.

"I'd like to thank my teammates, of course. Without them, I wouldn't be standing here tonight," Lundqvist said in accepting the award. "I want to thank my family, my wife, and John Tortorella, the best coach in the world."

Lundqvist helped the Rangers to an Atlantic Division title, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and was a finalist for the fourth time in his seven-year NHL career, having finished third in the balloting from 2006-08.

He became only the second Swedish goaltender to be voted best netminder, after Pelle Lindbergh won for Philadelphia in 1985. In addition, Lundqvist was the first Blueshirt backstop to be honored since John Vanbiesbrouck in 1986.

The 30-year-old posted a record of 39-18-5 in 62 appearances, setting a career high for wins and becoming the first NHL netminder with 30-plus wins in each of his first seven seasons. He ranked fourth in goals-against average at 1.97, fourth in save percentage at .930 and tied for third with eight shutouts.

Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators and Jonathan Quick of the Stanley Cup- champion Los Angeles Kings were the other two finalists.

Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins was the winner a season ago.