Your canidate for the Awards
Well with all teams at or above 41 games I think it is time for us to look at the year end trophies and predict who will win them.
Presidents Trophy- Top NHL team
I’m picking the Avs. Despite being 3 points away from the Wings, they have 3 games in hand
Prince of Wales Trophy- Best Eastern Conference Team
Toronto is first but I think that Ottawa will end up 1st yet again. They are doing very well and have a couple games in hand over the Leafs.
Clarence Campbell Trophy- Best Western Conference Team
I picked the Avs (refer to the Presidents)
Jack Adams Award- Best Coach
This is tough but I am leaning toward Darryl Sutter. I picked Calgary to be around 25th in the league in the Preseason.
Calder Trophy- Best Rookie
Well I like Joni Pitkanen, but Michael Ryder of Montreal to me has looked most impressive, with Trent Hunter a close second with Joni
King Clancy- Leadership and Humanitarian
Well I am not too sure on this one. As far as leadership is concerned I think Steve Yzerman but I don’t follow community contributions, so help me out on this one.
The Hart Trophy- NHL MVP
I always think that a goalie is by far the MVP on any team which would make me think Brodeur… but Ilya Kovalchuk is playing on a surprising Atlanta team, and should they make it I think he should get it.
Jennings Trophy- Goalie with fewest GA
I think that Brodeur will get it, even though he will play more games than the rest. 1.82 GAA, #1 in the league.
Lady Byng-Displays Gentlemanly Conduct
Steve Reinprecht has no PIMS in 20 games…not too shabby.
Norris Trophy- Top defenseman
I always which that they would give it to a defensive defenseman, but that won’t happen. Gonchar is #1 in points, but is a minus well lets say a lot. I like Souray, but Mathieu Schneider is doing superb.
Masterton Trophy- Perseverance, Sportsmanship, and Dedication
Once again, I am not too good at these, but Cujo has been through hell and back this year, and I am surprised that hasn’t done anything too bad PR wise.
Lester Patrick- Outstanding Service to hockey in US
I don’t have the slightest clue. How about Marc Andre Fleury…sorry
Lester B. Pearson Award- same thing as the Hart, except the NHLPA chooses
They usually go with a proven player, so not Ilya. Naslund looks like a good choice.
Rocket Richard Trophy- Most Goals
Hey Rick Nash is leading the pack. I don’t know how, but he is. With 25 I think he has just as good a chance as any.
Art Ross- Top Point Scorer
I think Sakic will do it once again. 48 so far, and strong play by the Avs makes me think he will win it
Selke- Top defensive forward-
Bobby Holik has looked most impressive this year, still not $9,000,000.00 impressive.
Vezina- I think Brodeur has it yet again, unless he stumbles and Boucher keeps getting 5 game shutout streaks. I like Aebischer too.
And Conne Smythe- Tell you when the Stanley Cup Finals come along.
