Midseason Awards
Hart Trophy: Alexander Ovechkin -- Along with the change in coach, Ovechkin has helped move the Caps to within one point of the division lead. His 39 goals lead the league going into the break and is thrid in the league in scoring.
Honorable Mention: 2. Martin Brodeur; 3. Jarome Iginla
Norris Trophy: Nicklas Lidstrom -- All homerism aside...the guy is the best player in the world at his position and this is his award as long as he's playing. His +40 at the break is the mind-boggling but it makes sense considering he plays for the best defensive team in the league as well as the best goal differential.
Honorable Mention: 2. Chris Pronger; 3. Sergei Zubov
Vezina Trophy: (tie) Martin Brodeur/Evgeni Nabokov -- Yeah, a tie...both guys are virtually tied in the three major statistic categories and both guys play on teams tied for first place in their divisions while being among the worst offensive teams in the league. I have Brodeur listed as an MVP candidate because I think Joe Thornton is helping keep the Sharks near the top of the standings along with Nabokov.
Honorable Mention: 3. Roberto Luongo
Calder Trophy: Patrick Kane -- With Toews and Havlat in and out of the lineup, Kane has been the most consistent performer on the Blackhawks...not bad for an 18-year-old. Nicklas Backstrom is coming on very strong but right now, Kane is the top rookie this year.
Honorable Mention: 2. Nicklas Backstrom; 3. Tobias Enstrom
Adams Trophy: John Stevens -- It would be too easy to pick Mike Babcock with how well the Wings have played so far but I think Stevens has done the best coaching job up to this point. Through dealing with the contraversial hits, being without their top goal scorer for most of the season and juggling their goaltending situation...the Flyers are tied for the division lead.
Honorable Mention: 2. Bruce Boudreau; 3. Dave Tippett
Playoff Predictions
Eastern Conference
1. Senators
2. Penguins
3. Capitals
4. Flyers
5. Canadiens
6. Devils
7. Rangers
8. Hurricanes
Western Conference
1. Red Wings
2. Ducks
3. Flames
4. Sharks
5. Canucks
6. Stars
7. Wild
8. Blue Jackets
Stanley Cup Finals
Ducks over Senators (yup, no Red Wings)
All-Star Break Awards/Predictions
Moderator: Shoalzie