Consider this The Technical Fouls official predictions for who takes home the hardware. If you don't agree comments are always welcome at the bottom.
Hart Memorial Trophy: Daniel Sedin- This is a tough choice, as all three candidates (Sedin, Martin St. Louis, Corey Perry) had stellar seasons and will be deserving of the award one year or another. Of the three, Sedin was the only one to go over 100 points, and also blew the other two out of the water in plus/minus, with a plus 30. Sedin's Canucks won the Presidents Trophy (given to team with most regular season points) and Daniel was a large part of that. I don't think he should, or will, be penalized for having a better team than the other two candidates.
Vezina Trophy: Tim Thomas- I actually think this is one of the easier awards to pick, as Tim Thomas had an incredible regular season. It is important to remember that the postseason does not count towards these awards, but even without the amazing Bruins Cup run, Thomas was the best. The other nominees of Roberto Luongo and Pekka Rinne both had great seasons, and for Rinne a break-out season. They just didn't have a Thomas like season, in which he allowed 2.00 goals a game, and saved .938 percent of the shots sent his way.
Norris Memorial Trophy: Zdeno Chara- As difficult as it is for me to pick Chara (I'm a huge Shea Weber fan) I think he uses his massive frame to make him the best defensive player in hockey. Both Nicklas Lidstrom and Shea Weber are no slouches, but Chara hits the best, he forces to the outside the best, and in something some of the voters may take into account, he shoots the best. He finished the season with an amazing plus 33 rating, 26 ahead of Weber and 35 ahead of Lidstrom.
Calder Memorial Trophy: Jeff Skinner- Although Michael Grabner is my boy, I think Skinner not only had a better season, but also is much more of a rookie. Although the voters shouldn't take into account age, Skinner is only 19 years old, and is already one of the best players in the NHL. Logan Couture wouldn't get my vote because unlike Grabner and Skinner, he played with line-mates that big time inflated his stats.
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Loui Eriksson- The Lady Byng goes to the player who shows the best sportsmanship on the ice, and this season it was Eriksson. Many fans may not know much about Eriksson, but in hockey that may actually be a good thing. The dark horse hear would be Nicklas Lidstrom, who could very likely be nominated for the last time and could earn votes as a tribute to his career.
Selke Trophy: Ryan Kessler- The Selke trophy is given to the forward who shows the best defensive skills, and this year I think it was Ryan Kessler. In my eyes Kessler had a huge coming out party for his play both ways on the ice. Pavel Datsyuk has won in the past, but I think the voters change things up this year. Don't count Jonathon Toews out just yet either.
Jack Adams Award: Barry Trotz- I'm not so sure if Trotz will actually win, but I do think he is the most deserving of the three candidates. Both Dan Bylsma and Alain Vigneault knew they had great teams coming in, but no one though Trotz's Nashville Predators would perform as well as they did. Because of this I think Trotz deserves to be recognized for his great work with a team that doesn't have a Sedin or Crosby on it.
Masterton Memorial Trophy: Daymond Langkow- The Masterton Trophy is given to the player who perseveres through something and continues to play the game. This is the one category where you wish all three players could win the award, as each has a story to tell. Unfortunately only one can win, and in this case I think it will be Langkow. Langkow was hit by a puck in the back of the neck last season, and it took him over a year to return to the game. For more information on all three finalists, click here.
Quickly going through the last three awards:
- Ted Lindsay Award (MVP as voted on by the players): Daniel Sedin
- Messier Leadership Award: Nicklas Lidstrom
- NHL Foundation Award (community involvement): Mike Green
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