Dubnyk makes statement by outdueling Rask, passing Price
Devan Dubnyk is making yet another strong case to be ranked among the best goalies in the game.
The Minnesota Wild netminder made 25 saves Thursday in a 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins, not only outdueling counterpart Tuukka Rask - who stopped 28 of 29 shots in the loss - but also passing Carey Price for the best save percentage among goalies with at least 10 appearances.
In addition, Dubnyk recorded his league-leading fourth shutout of the season.
Here's how the impressive trio of early Vezina Trophy candidates stack up:
| Goalie | Games | Record | Sv% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devan Dubnyk | 13 | 7-5-1 | .952 | 4 |
| Carey Price | 11 | 10-0-1 | .948 | 2 |
| Tuukka Rask | 12 | 10-2-0 | .947 | 3 |
Dubnyk's record would be better if the Wild offense offered him a bit more support. Four of Dubnyk's losses have come in November, in which Minnesota scored just three total goals, including a pair of shutouts.
For his part, he doesn't seem to be holding any grudges:
Dubnyk: "It's not my job to score. It's my job to work with the guys & defend. And I have zero complaints about that. This is a fun group."
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) November 18, 2016
Dubnyk, of course, was a Vezina finalist in 2015 after going on a remarkable half-season upon joining the Wild.
His numbers leveled off in 2015-16, but he appears to be back in top form, much to the delight and amazement of new head coach Bruce Boudreau.
Even if - or when - Dubnyk's save percentage falls to more human levels, the Wild could be a team to reckon with if the puck starts to go in at the other end with greater regularity.