Here she comes, Miss America….
no..wait…wrong song.
Here’s a quick look at the winners and my 2 cents.
Norris Trophy(Top Defenseman) – Nicklas Lidstrom Red Wings
Some people are jokingly calling to rename the trophy after Lidstrom. He’s the best defensemen in the league and still has a few good years left. Can probably write his name in pen next to the award next year.
Calder Trophy(Top Rookie) – Patrick Kane Blackhawks
It was basically a two kid race. Kane and Toews both from Chicago. Kane pulled away when Toews got hurt. Nicklas Backstrom also made a run near the end, but he started a little slow.
Selke Trophy(Top Defensive Forward) – Pavel Datsyuk Red Wings
Edged out his linemate Henrik Zetterberg, can ya see why they won the Stanley Cup yet? He’s a great defensive presence, he and Zetts shut down Crosby in the finals just like he did to everyone else he played against this year. He’s coming into his prime. So he could also be a repeat winner.
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy(Gentlemanly Conduct) – Pavel Datsyuk Red Wings
Ok, that’s not what I meant by repeat winner. It’s really quite a feat to win the Selke and Lady Byng in the same year. Datsyuk is a special player.
Jack Adams Award(Coach of the Year) – Bruce Boudreau Capitals
Washington made a huge run at the end of the year to win the division and sneak into the playoffs. This was a terrible team last year, and they brought back most of the same team. Boudreau had a great year.
King Clancy Trophy(Humanitarian Contribution) – Vinny Lecavalier Lightning
As far as I can tell he’s a good human, so good for him.
Bill Masterson Trophy(Sportsmanship and dedication to the game) – Jason Blake Leafs
Last year Phil Kessel won this after overcoming testicular cancer, this, another Cancer survivor. And this guy grew up an hour from me.
Life Time Achievment Award – Gordie Howe
Howe did he not get this before? haha…see what I did there? I crack myself up.
Art Ross Trophy(Points Leader) – Alexander Ovechkin Capitals
He can thank Sidney for getting hurt for a few weeks at a time, but Ovie is a lethal shooter and is as good as bet as anyone to win this every year for the next 15 years.
Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy(Goal Leader) – Alexander Ovechkin Capitals
He scored a lot of goals, that really helped him win the Art Ross. Unlike in the Art Ross, where Crosby usually will have the advantage, Ovie has to be the favorite here every year.
William M. Jennings(Lowest Goals Allowed) – Chris Osgood, Dominik Hasek Red Wings
This is a team award, and just another display of how good Detroit was defensively this year. Detroit has been close her the last few years, and it was their goal to win it this year, and they finally did.
Lester B. Person Award(Outstanding Player) – Alexander Ovechkin Capitals
It’s very hard to get more oustanding than Ovie. He led his team from the gutter to the Division championship in less than a year, the Huet trade didn’t hurt, but Ovechkin is a great play and deserved this award.
Hart Trophy(MVP) – That guy again – Alexander Ovechkin Capitals
The Person award could be renamed after A-Rod as the best player trophy, where the Hart is the most valuable. Ovie was best overall and for his team. Again, he deserved this one too.
Now we just have to hope Sidney and Alex stay healthy all next year and they end up with the 1 and 2 seeds in the playoffs next year and they both are Hart Trophy finalists and they meet in the Confrence Finals. A guy can hope.
