Bobrovsky, Lundqvist, Niemi named Vezina finalists

May 8, 2013 - 3:29 PM New York, NY (Sports Network) - Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Antti Niemi of the San Jose Sharks have been named the finalists for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender.

In his first season in Columbus, the 24-year-old Bobrovsky nearly backstopped the team to its second-ever playoff berth. The Russian, acquired in a trade with Philadelphia last June, compiled a 21-11-6 record with four shutouts, and ranked second in the NHL this season in save percentage (.932) and sixth in goals-against average (2.00).

Bobrovsky posted a 1.64 GAA and a .945 save percentage while winning eight of his last nine decisions from April 9-27, but the Blue Jackets still missed the postseason on a tiebreaker.

Lundqvist, last year's Vezina winner, is a finalist for a fifth time after he tied for the NHL lead with 24 wins. The 31-year-old Swede posted a 2.05 GAA and a .926 save percentage.

Niemi, 29, was the busiest goaltender in the league, seeing more ice time than any of his peers (2,580:46). The Finn also won 24 games while finishing with a 2.16 GAA, a .924 save percentage and four shutouts.

The winner will be announced during the Stanley Cup Finals.