Page "William M. Jennings Trophy" Paragraph 1

From 1946 until the 1980 – 81 season, the Vezina Trophy was awarded to the goaltender ( s ) of the team allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season.

However, it was recognized that this system often meant the trophy went to the goaltender of the better team rather than the individual and hence the change was made to offer the Vezina to the most outstanding goaltender, as voted by the NHL General Managers.

The William M. Jennings Trophy was created as a replacement and is awarded to the goaltender ( s ) playing for the team with the fewest goals against.