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Boudreau: 'There'd be no Carey Price, media-wise' if Dubnyk played in Toronto

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Bold words.

With all due respect to Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau believes he's got the best keeper on the planet in Devan Dubnyk.

Dubnyk, who boasts the NHL's best goals-against average (1.65) and save percentage (.964), delivered another stellar effort in Toronto on Wednesday, stopping 35-of-37 shots in a 3-2 win over the Maple Leafs. And Boudreau was singing his 'tender's praises - loudly - after the game.

"If (Dubnyk) was in Toronto there'd be no Carey Price," Boudreau told reporters, as relayed by Sportsnet when asked about the early Vezina Trophy race. "I'm just saying, media-wise. I mean, he hasn't allowed more than three goals in any game he's played this year. He's held us in all the time."

Dubnyk was exceptional - and perfect - in the third period, stopping all 17 shots as Toronto sent wave after wave at Minnesota in search of the tying goal. And he's done it all season. In fact, Dubnyk's been doing it for years - especially in Toronto.

The 30-year-old improved to 5-0-0 against the Maple Leafs since joining Minnesota in January 2015, with a 1.20 GAA and .962 save percentage. Nasty numbers.

Previously a Vezina Trophy candidate in 2015, Dubnyk is making a strong case this year, more than a quarter through this season.

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