Thomas, Rinne, Luongo named finalists for the Vezina trophy

The three finalists for the Vezina trophy combined for a goals-against average 6,57 in his last playoff game, but the general managers voted for Tim Thomas, Pekka Rinne and Roberto Luongo as its main goaltenders because of their regular season game. By Graham Hughes, AP

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas No.938 save percentage this season set an NHL record.

Graham Hughes, AP

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas No.938 save percentage this season set an NHL record.

All three finished 1-2-3 in Save percentage and combined for 106 wins.Thomas is the only previous winner (2008-09) and rebounded big time this season. After having offseason surgery on his troublesome hip, won eight first decisions, breaking a record for the Boston Bruins for 63 years and recorded a 938 save percentage. This was the best mark since the statistic was introduced in 1976-77, breaking the NHL record of Dominik Hasek,. 937. Its 2.00 goals-against average led the NHL.Rinne is the newcomer to the group. Despite being wounded early in the season, goaltender for the Nashville Predators made out of a record of 33-22-9, a 2. 12 goals-against average (second best) and 930 save percentage (second highest). He started 42 of the last 46 games for the predators, giving two or fewer goals in 28 of these games.Luongo was rested more this season, but picked up a League-best 38 wins in 60 games as Vancouver Canucks finished first place overall. ELFE 2. 11-against average was his career best. Luongo finished third in the vote in 2004 and in 2007 I think it puts more pressure on himself than anyone else, and the pressure he puts on himself is to be the best it can possibly be, "Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis said on a conference call before the start of the playoffs.The vote took place before the start of the playoffs. The finalists are the top three vote-getters. The winner will be announced at the NHL awards show in Las Vegas on June 22. Thomas was the only one of three to win their last game, kicking four goals in an extension of the series-tying victory against the Montreal Canadiens. Luongo was pulled in his past two games, which allowed the Chicago Blackhawks back for the series. Rinne's playoff numbers are an uncharacteristic 3.70 goals-against average and save percentage 860. He was pulled in game 4 and will face the Ducks in Anaheim Friday night. "The best part of these playoffs is that you have the chance to recover immediately, "said the Tennessean (Nashville). "I hope nothing else".For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.