John Gibson (+550) Is the New Vezina Favorite, But Rask (+750) Leads NHL in SV% and GAA

• John Gibson has climbed to the top of the Vezina Trophy odds during Anaheim’s fast start
• Tuukka Rask (+750) is only the third-favorite despite leading the NHL in GAA and save percentage
• Marc-Andre Fleury opened the season on an 8-3-1 run and could be a value bet at +1200 

The Anaheim Ducks have emerged as one of the big stories of the young NHL season, putting themselves in the thick of the Western Conference playoff hunt by racking up a solid 9-6-1 record through their first 16 contests.

Goaltender John Gibson has been a key contributor to the Ducks’ early success, backstopping the club to six of those victories to emerge as a +550 favorite in the 2020 Vezina Trophy odds.

Odds to Win 2020 Vezina Trophy

*Odds taken on Nov. 5, 2019

Gibson Powering Ducks’ Surprising Start

Gibson has been a steady presence between the pipes in Anaheim since joining the Ducks on a full-time basis in 2016. The 26-year-old has been among the league leaders in save percentage in two of the past three seasons, and has provided more of the same this season.

Gibson’s strong .922 save percentage has stolen wins for the Ducks on multiple occasions in the early going, including a 39-save performance in his last outing, a 2-1 overtime win over the resurgent Vancouver Canucks.

I almost feel bad for John Gibson. pic.twitter.com/fZyhK1wyxV

— Knights On Ice (@knightsonice) October 28, 2019

Yet, while there is no doubting Gibson’s talent, maintaining a perch atop the Vezina Trophy odds over the course of the season may be too much to ask. The Ducks have shown signs of reverting to the familiar form that left them mired in 13th place in the Western Conference standings with just 80 points last season.

Since opening on an impressive 6-2-0 run, during which Gibson and veteran backup Ryan Miller combined to surrender just 14 total goals, the Ducks have lost five of their last eight while allowing a whopping 36.4 shots per game.

Since opening on an impressive 6-2-0 run, during which Gibson and veteran backup Ryan Miller combined to surrender just 14 total goals, the Ducks have lost five of their last eight while allowing a whopping 36.4 shots per game.

With that trend likely to continue, it will take a Herculean effort from Gibson for the club to maintain its current spot in the playoff picture.

Rask Tops Goaltending Stats with Light Workload

One goaltender who has been getting a big assist from his teammates is Boston’s Tuukka Rask, who sits third in the odds as a +750 bet to win his second career Vezina Trophy.

The 32-year-old Finn has vaulted to the top of the NHL goaltending stats with a 7-0-1 record through eight outings, to go along with a minuscule 1.49 goals against average and a .949 save percentage.

Since the start of last postseason, Tuukka Rask:

1.88 goals against average
.938 save percentage
22-9-1 record

Since saves were tracked in 1955, only two Vezina winners have ever had a season with a higher save% than that: Tim Thomas (2010-11) and Jacques Plante (1968-69).

— Tucker Boynton (@Tucker_TnL) November 3, 2019

Rask has certainly been a key contributor to the Bruins’ climb to the top of the Atlantic Division standings. However, unlike Gibson and Bishop, who have been steady workhorses for their respective clubs and seen plenty of rubber so far this season, Rask has enjoyed a light load, appearing in just eight games to date, including six home dates, with the Bruins outshooting opponents in five of those contests.

Fleury Key to Success in Vegas

It is the combination of stellar play and suiting up for a contender that brings considerable value to Marc-Andre Fleury at +1200. Despite a pair of rough outings last month, the 32-year-old has been solid between the pipes for Vegas. He has appeared in 13 of 15 games so far this season, piling up an 8-3-1 record, 2.51 goals against average and .920 save percentage.

.@goldenknights Marc-Andre Fleury going old school with the two pad stack. pic.twitter.com/yNfxrhBm4c

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 1, 2019

The three-time Stanley Cup champion has compiled those stats while trailing only Gibson and David Rittich in shots faced. He has stolen wins while stopping 34 or more shots on three occasions. One concern facing Fleury is his potential to wear down from overuse, as was the case last season, when his numbers suffered while making 61 appearances.

The Golden Knights’ shaky start is also not helping Fleury’s cause. But with a proven track record, and a talented team in front of him that remains a strong +110 favorite to win the Pacific Division, Fleury remains an intriguing value pick to take home his first career Vezina trophy.

Pick: Marc-Andre Fleury to win Vezina Trophy (+1200)