With the regular season now at an end, and a few days left before the second season starts, I wanted to take a quick opportunity to make my predicitons as to who is going to win the various individual awards given out by the league. Sometimes I will be giving two names...the name of the person I think SHOULD win, and the name of the person I think WILL win.
Anyways, away we go!
First, the trophys already decided, as they pertain to regular season stats:
President's Trophy (NHL's best record): Washington Capitals
Art Ross Trophy (most points): Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks (112 points)
Rocket Richard Trophy (most goals scored): Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins; Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning (Tie, 51 goals)
William J. Jennings Trophy (goaltender of team that allowed fewest goals): Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Now, on to the real predictions. These awards will be given after the season:
Hart Trophy (NHL MVP):
Should Win: Niklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
Probably Will Win: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
I suspect the league will push real hard to get their golden boy the MVP award, because they've done nothing but shove him down our throats since he was drafted. And, yes, he scored a lotta goals this season. But there was one player on a team that was really a major driving force behind getting them the President's Trophy this year, even though their "best player" missed 10 games this season. Niklas Backstrom centers Washington's top line, and this season had his first 100+ point season...including over 30 goals. He is a playmaker in every sense of the word, and was truly the lynchpin of the best offense in the league this year. He won't win. He won't even be nominated. But he should win.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender):
Should Win: Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
Probably Will Win: Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
The Vezina this year will come down to Ryan Miller vs. Ilya Bryzgalov. Miller will probably get it, mostly because he's better known after his US Olympic run, and he won't be a bad choice at all. He had an amazing season. But Bryzgalov played out of his mind, and led a team that was supposed to be dead last in the West to the 4th best record in the NHL. That's pretty damn impressive.
Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman):
Should Win: Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Probably Will Win: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
I actually have no idea who's going to win this award this year. But I'm pretty sure it won't be Doughty. He's super young (only his second year in the league), and voters tend to shy away from young kids for these awards, figuring they'll have a chance to pick one up later. Which is complete horseshit, but such is life! I'd say the finalists will probably include Mike Green from Washington, Duncan Keith from Chicago, and Dan Boyle from San Jose. And with all the love Chicago has gotten all year, Keith probably wins...although, in my eyes, he's the least deserving of these three. I'd be ok with Green winning. He's had a really, really good year. It should be Doughty, though.
Calder Trophy (Best Rookie):
Should Win: Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres
Probably Will Win: Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
The Calder race is actually very interesting this year. You have a few really solid candidates. Jimmy Howard has actually been floating around the NHL for years, but never got a true chance to start until this year. His solid goaltending has helped Detroit overcome many injuries and make the playoffs yet again. In my eyes, he doesn't seem like a true rookie, based on age and how long he's been playing professionally, if not in the NHL. But since he's technically eligible, and plays for Detroit, he'll probably win. Matt Duchene has led a youth resurgance in Colorado this season...helping get the Avalanche back to the playoffs. He leads all rookies in scoring, and should be a finalist. I still think Tyler Myers should be the guy. He leads all rookies in ice time, and led his team in ice time. He's third in rookie scoing...as a defenseman. And has become firmy entrenched on the Buffalo blueline as their best D-man. He's been SO CRUCIAL to their success, and is doing it all at the age of 20! He's been super impressive this year, and deserves to win.
Frank Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward):
Should Win: Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Probably Will Win: Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
They give this award to Datsyuk every year, whether he deserves it or not. This year, Patrick Marleau has been a beast on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ice. He has 4 shorthanded goals, logs substantial PK time for one of the best PKs in the league. He definately deserves this award. Sadly, he probably won't even get a nomination. West Coast players rarely do.
Lady Byng Trophy (Most Gentlemanly Play):
Should Win: Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Probably Will Win: Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Usually this is given to the best player with the fewest penalty minutes. There's been some talk of this award going to Marleau...kind of a token award for his career year. But this award always goes to Datsyuk as well, and voters are lazy. It'll probably go to him again.
Jack Adams Award (Best Coach):
Should Win: Dave Tippet, Phoenix Coyotes
Probably Will Win: Dave Tippet, Phoenix Coyotes
This is a no brainer. Phoenix, after all their offseason ownership issues, and the departure of Gretzke, and the NHL buying the team and trying to sell it, and them not being allowed to spend much money on the roster...well, they were not expected to do too well. But instead, they ended up with 107 points in the standings, 4th best in the NHL, and challenged San Jose for the Pacific Division title before settling in as the 4th seed. Just incredible.
Anyways, that's it. There's a few other awards, but I've said enough. The award ceremony will happen, I think, at the end of June, so I might check back then and see how I've done. For now, it's playoff time. GO SHARKS!!!
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