NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — King Henrik has earned a chance to defend his crown.

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was named as one of three finalists Wednesday for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top player between the pipes.

It was his fifth career nomination. Lundqvist won the Vezina for the first time last year.

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and the San Jose Sharks’ Antti Niemi were also tabbed as finalists.

Lundqvist tied for the league’s top mark this season with 24 wins. He finished 2012-13 with a 2.05 goals-against average (ranked No. 7) and .926 save percentage (5).

The 31-year-old was so excited to win the Vezina last year that he dropped an F-bomb on live television during the NHL’s awards ceremony.

“Oh, —-,” he said. “Sorry, I’m nervous! But it feels good!”

Lundqvist and the Rangers will be looking to even their opening-round series against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. New York trails 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

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