VIDEO: Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec emerging as Vezina candidate after scary start to season

Ondrej Pavelec was picked in the second round (41st overall) by Atlanta in 2005. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)

The way Ondrej Pavelec’s season started - when he fainted in the first game of the season and sustained a concussion - few would have predicted the 23-year-old Czech netminder would have a gaudy .934 save percentage, good enough for second in the league, or stand third in goals-against average with a measly 2.13 mark. But as his impressive numbers indicate, Pavelec has what it takes to bounce back from adversity.

With a 12-8- record, Pavelec is one of the big reasons why Atlanta sits seventh in the East with 44 points, as the franchise aims to earn its second post-season appearance.

THN’s Ryan Dixon takes a closer look at Pavelec’s roller coaster season.

REPORTER: Ryan Dixon | CAMERA: Mark Gougeon | PRODUCER: Ted Cooper

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