Maybe I jumped the gun on posting my choices of the NHL awards a number of weeks back but with tomorrow being the big day in Las Vegas NV, I thought re-posting my picks today would be a good idea.
I won't edit any of my info from earlier, but it is interesting to read and reflect on what has happened since I last documented my selections.
As curious as most hockey fans will be to see the outcome of each award, I am more interested in hearing the stories of how the players will celebrate in Sin City. Like they say "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". I just hope no one loses their awards.
Hart – Corey Perry (ANAHEIM)....Without Perry, the Ducks push for a playoff spot would not have been possible. Playing on a line that is as heavily checked as any in the league, Corey Perry took his game to new levels and in doing so had a career year, as well as being the only player in the NHL to score 50 goals. A player once written off by many scouts and experts, Perry has established himself as a franchise player in Anaheim.
Selke – Ryan Kesler (VANCOUVER)....In a year that saw the veteran centre took his game to new levels across the board. Kesler began refocusing his on ice demeanour to helping his team beyond his past pest-like persona and the results were hard to look past. Breaking the 40 goal plateau for the first time and cutting down his penalty minutes, rounded out his strong two-way game even more. This growth has been evident throughout the early stages of the 2011 playoffs as well.
Norris – Niklas Lidstrom (DETROIT)....over the past few weeks there has been a plenty of media speculating the accuracy of President Obama’s birth certificate, the same should be said for Lidstrom. In a time when the NHL is fuelled by its youth, the veteran rearguard continues to defy the odds and play like a player nearly half his age. The leader of the Red Wings maintained a high level of play and proved once again just how important he is to his hockey club. While other young defenseman continue to make strides, Lidstrom’s play still has him at the head of the class.
Calder – Jeff Skinner (CAROLINA)....In a race that is a close as any of the awards handed out, it is hard to look past the accomplishments posted by the former Toronto Young Nats forward. Not only was Skinner the youngest player in the league this year, he was also the youngest player to be selected to participate in the NHL’s all-star game. Taking advantage of opportunities from the first game of the season by using his gifted skating abilities and hockey smarts. Another feather in this young man’s cap came when he was chosen to represent Canada at the 2011 IIHF World Hockey Championships in Slovakia.
Byng – Pavel Datsyuk (DETROIT)....Like his teammate, Niklas Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk is a model of consistency with his play, as well as how he conducts himself on and off the ice. Few players in the game possess the skills of the gifted Russian pivot, but you will even harder pressed to find a player who plays the game as classy as Datsyuk. While logging crucial minutes on all special teams, 5 on 5 and in various important moments throughout the game, Pavel Datsyuk is able to be provide the Red Wings with elite talent while doing so in fashion that personifies the true reasons the Lady Byng award is handed out each year.
Vezina – Tim Thomas (BOSTON)....Just a year ago, Tim Thomas was sitting at the end of the bench watching his Bruins face off vs the Philadelphia Flyers, perhaps wondering if he would get another chance to be the one leading Boston into battle every night. When the opportunity came about earlier this year for the veteran netminder, he ran with it and has proved that his past success was no fluke. The Bruins have been a club that is always in the mix when talk of Cup contenders are discussed, in order for them to reach those goals they will need Thomas to be the key clog he has been all year. The Flint, MI native has provided his club with the confidence to make the on ice moves they have made and will certainly be focused to return the Bruins to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1990.
Adams – Barry Trotts (NASHVILLE)....There is something to be said about the job Barry Trotts has done coaching one of the best clubs in the National Hockey League nobody talks about. Playing in Nashville doesn’t help the cause when it comes to exposure but when you look at the product the Predators put on the ice every night, you can’t help but be impressed. Only a few years ago it appeared as if the club was on the verge of moving to Hamilton, but with aid of strong local ownership the club stayed in Nashville and has become a model franchise. Since being hired a full season before playing a game, Trotts has given his all in making the Preds a tough to team to play. It is no surprise to many to see the Predators competing with the big boys with the likes of Rinne, Weber and Fisher leading the way, but without Trotts this club wouldn’t be where it is today.
