NHL Awards, Part 2

The NHL announced the final player awards on Saturday, June 15th. This is an overview of the awards presented on that day (in no particular order), and an occasional personal (non-professional) opinion on them.

Hart Memorial Trophy

One of the most coveted player awards, the Hart Trophy (MVP) goes to the player deemed most valuable to his team. The finalists this year were Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, and John Tavares of the New York Islanders. Ovechkin was the winner of this award, not missing a single game this season for the Capitals and leading the league goals. He also finished first in power play goals and shots, and came in third for overall points. Both Crosby and Tavares put up a good fight for the Hart, but Ovechkin was the clear choice for this award, showing both leadership and skill while guiding the Capitals to clinch the Southeast Division. 

Vezina Trophy

The Vezina is awarded to the league's best goaltender, as decided by the league's general managers. This year's finalists were Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers, Antti Niemi of the San Jose Sharks, and Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bobrovsky was the winner, carrying his Blue Jackets the closest they have come to the playoffs in a very long time. He tied for 5th for GAA (Goals Allowed Average) with Bruin's goaltender Tuuka Rask, and came in 2nd for Save % (after Craig Andersson of the Senators, who only played 24 games to Bobrovsky's 38). Lundqvist, as usual, makes a strong argument for this award, putting up solid numbers all season long and playing 43 out of 48 games this regular season. Niemi, too, put up a good season, though ended up below the former players in GAA and SV%.
If I were Columbus' GM, Jarmo Kekäläinen, I would be excited for this award because it may entice Bobrovsky to stay in the NHL despite quality offers from many KHL teams. 

James Norris Memorial Trophy

The Norris Trophy is given to the best defensemen in the league. The finalists this year were Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins, P.K. Subban of the Montreal Canadiens, and Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild. Subban won the award, finishing 1st in points for defensemen with 38. Letang also got 38 points, but Subban played less games because of a contract dispute at the beginning of the season. Suter finished third in points for defensmen. Subban helped Montreal beat out Boston for the Northeast division title. 

Calder Memorial Trophy

The Calder Trophy goes to the league's best rookie. The finalists were Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens, Jonathan Huberdeau of the Florida Panthers, and Brandon Saad of the Chicago Blackhawks. Huberdeau won the award, tallying 31 points (14 G, 17 A) and acquiring only 18 penalty minutes. There were many outstanding rookies this year in the league, but Huberdeau managed to excel even while playing on the worst team in the league (statistically).

Ted Lindsay Award

The Ted Lindsay Award is presented to the league's most outstanding player as decided by the NHLPA (the NHL Players Association). It comes with a sense of pride to know that your fellow teammates and rivals alike have come to some sort of conclusion that you are, indeed, the best. This year's finalists were Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, and Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sidney Crosby won the award, ending his regular season with 56 points and a +/- of +26, in only 36 games because of a broken jaw. Say what you will about Crosby, he is an outstanding player, and I'm not about to argue with the hockey players that voted for him.