Just a quick prediction on tonight’s awards, for I haven’t got much time.
Well,… more like who I’d be picking since I rarely agree with the winners.
Calder Trophy ~ Despite Stastny’s incredible point scoring streak and Stael’s phenomenal play for an 18 year old, Malkin was far too strong throughout the season to be surpassed for this recognition.
Sleek Trophy ~ Brindisi’s tool of the trade was not enough to earn a playoff birth for his team, while Randolf had the Hart candidate backing him up. Paulsson raised some eyebrows in the playoffs obviously, but he has played the same way throughout the regular season.
Jack Adams Trophy ~ Considering Ruff lead his team for the President trophy, while not having the luxury of a Hart nominee on his roster, he gets my vote. The Sabres faced many line changes and call ups without missing a step. I might have chosen Ted Nolan if he were given the nomination he deserved.
Lady Byng ~ While the rest of the NHL continues to show a lack of respect to one another, Sakic is the exception. And with good reason. He definitely deserves’ the honor this season, and more than likely every other season he has played.
Vezina Trophy ~ Curious as to why 4 nominees were named in a category that only two have a chance at. And although Luongo got some great headlines while playing for his first competitive team of his career, unfortunately it came on the same year Brodeur outdid his entire career.
Norris Trophy ~ The Ducks may have sported the best defensive tandem of the season, but they are a tandem and this is not a Jennings award. Lidstrom gets full marks in his first season as Red Wing captain.
Lester B Pearson award ~ Sydney Crosby runs away with this one.
Hart Trophy ~ I am not a big believer in this award actually going out to the MVP to his team. If that were the case, a goaltender would win every time. Instead, I see this as MVP of the league, and in that reasoning I choose Crosby once again. There is no coincidence that he has been the most talked about player of the season.
