Good day sports fans! On Wednesday night, the NHL gathered all its greatest goal getters, stingiest shot stoppers, and dynamic defenseman in Las Vegas for the annual awards show. Although the action on the stage wasn’t that great (Jay Mohr doing his same three impressions over and over again does not make entertaining television), the real stars of the show were the players and their achievements of the past season.
Some awards I agree with, others I feel the voters, were wrong. So to get a true sense of the highlights of the past year, I’ve decided to properly hand out the awards, all by myself. Do I think that highly of myself? Perhaps, but I feel that you, the fan, deserve to know the truth. And I will have no problem shouting it out. Please save your applause for the end, when all our recipients have been announced. Thank you, merci.
By: Bryan Vickroy
Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
Finalists: Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Henrik Sedin
Real Winner: Henrik Sedin, C Vancouver Canucks
Bryan’s Winner: Sidney Crosby, C Pittsburgh Penguins
Yes, I don’t even believe I typed that statement. But it’s true. All the things Crosby has done in the last year, including gold medal winner, league leading scorer, and defender of the Stanley Cup, are enough accomplishment each in their own merit. But Crosby has gone all year, never slowing down, and continued to progress into the player that everyone feels he will become. Sedin and Ovechkin both had out of this world season’s, but Crosby won the most and had the most in the end, and thus I begrudgingly hand Sid the Kid the award.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goalie)
Finalists: Martin Brodeur, Ilya Bryzgalov, Ryan Miller
Real Winner: Ryan Miller, G Buffalo Sabres
Bryan’s Winner: Martin Brodeur, G New Jersey Devils
While Miller was the darling all year with his spectacular play and deep Olympic run, Martin Brodeur quietly went about smashing more of the glorious goaltending records, getting to the most shutouts and most victories marks this past campaign. While this may be more of a lifetime achievement award for a man who already has many of these trophies, Marty reminded everyone this year why he is one of the greatest in the history of the game.
Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman)
Finalists: Drew Doughty, Mike Green, Duncan Keith
Real Winner: Duncan Keith, D Chicago Blackhawks
Bryan’s Winner: Duncan Keith, D Chicago Blackhawks
How much more hardcore can you get than Duncan Keith? The man rips his own teeth out mid game, and continues on to play as the savvy two way player that he is. Was charged with shutting down some of the top players in the league this year, and did his job better than anyone else. Almost always on the ice when a goal is score, and rarely is out there to concede one to the back of the net. Keith could possibly be starting a long string of future awards.
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
Finalists: Matt Duchene, Jimmy Howard, Tyler Meyer
Real Winner: Tyler Meyer, D Buffalo Sabres
Bryan’s Winner: Jimmy Howard, G Detroit Red Wings
This is a tough category for a number of reasons. All three were superb in their first seasons, however there is an age discrepancy. Howard is older than the rest, and some probably used that against him for this award. However, anyone who takes over the starting job for the two time defending conference champs has shown he has the skills to thrive at this level.
Lady Bing Trophy (Sportsmanship/Conduct)
Finalists: Pavel Datsyuk, Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards
Real Winner: Martin St. Louis, RW Tampa Bay Lightning
Bryan’s Winner: Martin St. Louis, RW Tampa Bay Lightning
The little man who could, he is also one of the nicest guys in the world. Martin St. Louis is class all the way, and continues to be one of the bright spots in the mostly empty space of Sun Belt hockey. The game of hockey is a better place with him in it.
Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)
Finalists: Pavel Datsyuk, Ryan Kesler, Jordan Staal
Real Winner: Pavel Datsyuk, C Detroit Red Wings
Bryan’s Winner: Pavel Datsyuk, C Detroit Red Wings
Datsyuk is leap years ahead of the rest of the league when it comes to playing in both ends. Mostly know for being a deadly sniper on net, his backchecking helps the Red Wings continue to stay in the elite year after year. This award pays off his tireless motor, and applauds him for protecting the puck just as much as burying it.
Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year)
Finalists: Joe Sacco, Dave Tippet, Barry Trotz
Real Winner: Dave Tippet, Phoenix Coyotes
Bryan’s Winner: Dave Tippet, Phoenix Coyotes
This is a team that didn’t have a home, didn’t have a coach, didn’t have fans, and didn’t have a prayer for this season. Tippet took over during the bloody feud surrounding the teams future, following the dismissal of The Great One as coach. Tippet took this young team to the playoffs, and put a good scare into the Red Wings before succumbing. Tippet did the unthinkable, and this is his reward.
Other awards presented on the evening were:
NHL Foundation Award (Off Ice Activities): Ryan Miller, G Buffalo Sabres
Messier Leadership Award (Leadership): Sidney Crosby, C Pittsburgh Penguins
Ted Lindsay Award (NHLPA MVP): Alex Ovechkin, LW Washington Capitals
Masterson Trophy (Comeback/Perseverance): Jose Theodore, G Washington Capitals
Everybody be safe, enjoy the swag, and bask in the highlights of the season of yesteryear. It may be the middle of summer, but I’m always thinking about the ice. Next year will be hear soon, and none of us can wait to hear, “Game On!”
If you know more than me, know something I should know, just flat out annoyed by me, or feel as if I am some type of oracle, drop me a line at bryan.vickroy@gmail.com. Or holler for all to see and get a real time feed into my mind at www.twitter.com/bryanvickroy/.