The Hart Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the player deemed most valuable to his team. Wayne Gretzky holds the record for most Hart Trophy’s won throughout a player’s career, with nine. The finalists, who will be voted on by the Hockey Writer’s Association, are the following active National Hockey League players:
 |
| The Sedin twin who is up for this award. There are two of them, as was briefly discussed during the Stanley Cup. |
I’ve discussed my admiration for the Sedin brothers in the past, but take a look at some quick facts about 30-year-old Daniel. This year he was awarded the Art Ross Trophy, given to the leading scorer of the regular season (he finished with 41 goals and 63 assists). For the past seven years, the winter of the Art Ross Trophy has taken home the Hart Trophy as well, with the exception of 2009, when Evgeni Malkin was awarded the Ross, but Alex Ovechkin took home the Hart. Last year, Daniel's brother, Henrik, received both.
 |
| Corey Perry had a lot of chances to do this celebration. |
Drafted in 2003 by the Ducks and making his debut the next season, Perry was a part of the franchise when it lifted the Stanley Cup in 2007. During that season, Perry put up 44 points and played in all 82 regular season games, the majority of them skating alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Dustin Penner (they were aptly dubbed the “Kid Line” for their young ages). In 2008, Perry signed a five-year extension with Anaheim–worth an estimated $26.6 million. He finished the 2010-2011 season with 50 goals and 48 assists. Fun fact: he won the Shootout Elimination Challenge in the Skills Competition during the NHL All-Star Game this year.
 |
| Forget about his stature. St. Louis' play is as good as any in the National Hockey League. |
The Canadian veteran helped lead the Bolts all the way to, and almost through, the Eastern Finals. He scored twice (the second was the game winner) to push the series against the Bruins to a seventh game. He completed the regular season with 99 points (31 goals and 68 assists). Last season, he was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy (see below).
My Guess: Daniel Sedin. He definitely comes as a nice package with his brother, but independently, he holds his own.
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is given to the defense player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in his position throughout the regular season. The winner is determined by a poll from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The Norris Trophy was first presented in 1953 to honor the memory of James Norris, former owner and president of the Detroit Red Wings. The candidates are:
 |
| Zdeno Chara–The Gulliver of the NHL. |
The captain of the Eastern Conference Champions, Chara defeated the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals, stands a giant among humans at 6'9" and weighs 255 pounds. He previously won the Norris award in 2009. He finished the regular season at a +33 and was a +16 in the playoffs.
 |
| Somebody cue the Beegees. |
This name better not surprise anybody. The Red Wings captain has spent his entire 18-season career in Detroit, where he has helped bring the Cup home four times. He is definitely no stranger to the Norris, having won the award six times already. The Trophy is based upon this season alone; Lidstrom recorded a disastrously-low (for him) minus two. He has never been anywhere bordering zero (his second-lowest +/- season was in 1992-93, his second year with the Red Wings, where he recorded a plus-7). Obviously, it’s not fair to put all the blame on him, but that’s a huge drop from last season.
 |
| Also up for an award–Shea Weber's beard. |
Weber’s third season with the Predators, 2007-2008, was a mess of injuries. During his opening game, he dislocated his kneecap and missed the next six weeks. A few games later, he re-injured his leg and missed another eleven games. He only played in 54 games, but recorded 20 points. That summer, he signed a three-year, $13.5 million extension with the Predators. The following season, he finished with career-highs in goals (23), assists (30), points (53) and penalty minutes (80). In 2010, he became the youngest captain in franchise history. Weber will become a restricted free agent on July 1st. He claims he wants to stay in Nashville.
My Guess: Shea Weber. He’s young, he’s fresh and he’s putting up numbers any coach and owner would be happy with. He plays with 100 percent heart and it shows on the ice.
The Calder Trophy is awarded to the most proficient player who is a rookie to the NHL. For the last seven years of his life, Frank Calder, the former NHL President, bought a trophy at the end of each season to honor an outstanding rookie. To be eligible, a player cannot have player more than 25 games in any preceding season in a major professional hockey league. Also, he cannot turn older than 26 before September 15th of that particular season.
 |
| Look everybody! Joe Thornton got a new toy! |
Couture scored nine away game-winning goals his rookie season, holding the all-time NHL record. He put up 32 goals in 79 games played and finished as a +17. He was second in NHL rookie goals scored, falling two short of Michael Grabner’s 34. He also fell just short of most NHL rookie points scored, with his 56 not being enough against Jeff Skinner’s 63 points.
 |
| Hey Panthers, how's that whole "Let's put Grabner on waivers," thing working out for you? |
I have to admire anyone who can put up points like his while skating with the Islanders. The 23-year-old Austrian had 52 points in 76 regular season games (34, 18). His goal total was an NHL-rookie best. He also scored six short-handed goals and finished at a +13.
 |
| His rosy red cheeks belie his incredible ability |
3. Jeff Skinner, Left Wing/Center, Carolina Hurricanes
Every time I hear this kid’s name, I refuse to accept that he just celebrated his 19th birthday last week. When he was selected to the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, he shattered records across the boards, becoming the youngest All-Star selection in the history of the four major sports in North America. He played in all 82 regular season games, scoring 31 goals and having a hand in 32 others.
My Guess: Logan Couture. His name popped up at the end of almost every Sharks game and while they couldn’t take down the Canucks, I’d hope Couture has more than a few years left.
The Selke Trophy honors the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. Candidates:
1. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
2. Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
3. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
The Lady Byng Trophy honors the player with the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
Candidates:
1. Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars
2. Niklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
3. Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Vezina Trophy honors goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position as voted by the general managers of all NHL clubs. Candidates:
1. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
2. Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
3. Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
The Jack Adams Award is presented by the NHL Broadcasters' Association to the NHL coach judged to have contributed the most to his team's success. Candidates:
1. Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators
3. Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy honors the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to game of hockey. Candidates:
1. Ray Emery, Anaheim Ducks
2. Daymond Langkow, Calgary Flames
3. Ian Laperriere, Philadelphia Flyers
No comments:
Post a Comment