Awards Update

December 31, 2006   ·   Joe McDonald   ·   Jump to comments

With New Year’s Eve hockey games starting, I figured I’d update my top three for each trophy as of this moment as we close in on the halfway point:

Hart

1.Martin Brodeur- has done most with less. League leading six shutouts.
2.Marian Hossa- continues to play extremely well. Tied for second with 52 points.
3.Dominik Hasek- where would they be without him? Leads in GAA (1.82) and has won 10 of last 11.

Norris

1.Chris Pronger- Continues to dominate on blueline with 40 points and +21 rating.
2.Nicklas Lidstrom- Rock solid as usual with 34 points and NHL best +24 rating.
3.Scott Niedermayer- Smooth as silk D can flourish in any situation. 32 points, +10 rating.

Vezina

1.Martin Brodeur- Has all his team’s wins. Ranks in top three in wins, GAA, save percentage and shutouts.
2.Dominik Hasek- First in GAA, second in shutouts and world’s better than Osgood.
3.Chris Mason- Has flown under radar. Ex-Devil draft pick is playing like a No.1 and has stats (15 wins, 2.27 GAA, .929 save pct and 4 shutouts) to back it up. Will Vokoun get his job back?

Calder

1.Evgeni Malkin- continues to pace all rookies in goals (18), PPG (8) and points (36).
2.Anze Kopitar- right behind Malkin with 35 points while leading all freshmen with 24 helpers. A dynamic talent.
3.Matt Carle- leads all rookie defensemen with 21 points while getting almost 19:00 a night for playoff contender San Jose.

Selke

1.Todd Marchant- has returned as very effective checking line center who neutralizes opponents and is threat shorthanded (3 SHG).
2.Kris Draper- former Selke winner continues to be gritty reliable self for Wings chipping in three shorties and respectable +9 rating.
3.Jay Pandolfo- his linemate Mad Dog always gets all the kudos but the former BU standout is the overlooked player who makes that line so tough to play against.

Jack Adams

1.Ted Nolan- has comeback and proven he still can motivate players. Has Islanders playing solid hockey and competing for a playoff spot when they were expected to finish near the bottom.
2.Denis Savard- since taking over in Chicago, the former Blackhawk has injected life into a once dead Original Six club and has them in playoff contention.
3.Glen Hanlon- you look at that Caps team especially on D and wonder how they can be only a couple of points out of the postseason race. This team’s work ethic is tremendous.