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Dallas Stars 2011-12 Play Of The Year: Saves Group Two

By Taylor Baird
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Every off season, we here at Defending Big D vote to determine which play (hit, goal or save) was the play of the year. It seems as though in the glamor of the Jamie Benn break away goal the hard hits of Mark Fistric or the snappy glove save of Kari Lehtonen are easily overlooked.

This season, we're going to vote on a play of the year in each of the three categories: hits, saves and goals. This week, we're looking at the saves. A few interesting things of note while I was going through the saves of the year footage for the second half of the season:

  • Reliving the "here's a shot off a turnover" or "failed clearing attempt" all over again looking at the video of saves just proves to me there's still a lot to improve upon with this group.
  • Why was there never a "KARI KARI" or "MVP" chant for Kari Lehtonen at the AAC this year...ever?
  • There seemed to be a lot more physicality between opposing players and the Stars' goaltenders. Lots of run-ins or bowl overs in the second half of the season.

    • After the jump, we have the candidates for save of the year for the Dallas Stars for the second half of the season - January to April. The top three vote-getters in each group will have a run off on Friday to determine the save of the year. Missed group one? Vote on them here.

    Vote on your favorite for this group after the jump!

    Lehtonen save on Hudler January 3, 2012

    Lehtonen stops the setup from Hagman to Koivu January 10, 2012

    Lehtonen sprawling glove save on Anze Kopitar January 12, 2012

    Lehtonen denies Corey Perry February 1, 2012

    Bachman shows great rebound control against Jason Braun February 2, 2012

    Lehtonen stones Whitney February 7, 2012

    Lehtonen denies Vanek 4:59 in OT to force a shootout February 10, 2012

    Bachman diving save on Hayes February 23, 2012

    Lehtonen never loses sight of this puck March 4, 2012

    Lehtonen save on Marleau March 8, 2012

    Bachman robs Ladd March 14, 2012

    Lehtonen kick save in OT against Ekman-Larsson March 20, 2012

    Lehtonen kick saves a rebound from Wilson March 24, 2012

    Lehtonen stops a 2-on-1 March 28, 2012

    Lehtonen makes a save as he tumbles into the net April 5, 2012