Ovechkin repeats as Hart winner

June 19, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Vegas was good to Alexander Ovechkin. The Capital superstar repeated last night as Hart winner, also snagging the Lester B. Pearson voted among his peers. He also had 500 chips in his hotel room and hinted about the Cup coming to his favorite town, D.C. next year.

The 23 year-old Ovechkin, who finished second in scoring to countryman Evgeni Malkin (35-78-113) with 110 points also took home a second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy (56 goals). He became the first repeat league MVP since Dominik Hasek (1997 & 98) accomplished the feat for the Sabres. It turned out to be anticlimatic as Ovie garnered 115 first place votes to Malkin’s 12- totaling 1,264 points while Geno finished a distant second with 787. Pavel Datsyuk finished third with 404 points receiving the other four first place votes. Calder winner Steve Mason (266 Pts) was recognized getting fourth while Devil Zach Parise (257 Pts) tabbed fifth. Sidney Crosby, who didn’t attend got sixth.

Three goalies finished in the top 10 including Vezina recipient Tim Thomas, who routed the competition garnering 22 of 30 first place votes to easily best Mason and Niklas Backstrom. An emotional Thomas made quite a victory speech making sure to thank his wife, who supported him every step of the way despite all the travel before landing on his feet in Boston. The best part was when he spoke of never envisioning winning such an award but rather thinking back to if he’d ever make a roster, earning applause and chuckles. Good on him.

The Jack Adams was no surprise going to a deserving Claude Julien, who guided the Bruins to the East’s best record. It was made even more special with a healthy Pat Burns presenting him which Julien was quick to note during his speech about following in his footsteps (Hull, Montreal, New Jersey, Boston). Only he hasn’t coached Toronto or won two more Adams’ and a Stanley Cup as Burns did.

Datsyuk repeated as Lady Byng (most gentlemanly) and Selke (top defensive forward), sweeping both. The popular Red Wing easily took home his fourth consecutive Byng winning comfortably over Martin St. Louis and Parise. However, the margin was as close as it gets for the Selke, edging Flyer center Mike Richards by three total points (945-942). In fact, Richards earned six more first place votes (61-55) but Datsyuk held the edge for second (48-42), third (8-6), fourth (5-2) and fifth (4-2) allowing him to take home the hardware. The Canucks’ Ryan Kesler (290 Pts) finished a distant third. Henrik Zetterberg, Mikko Koivu, David Krejci and Patrick Marleau all finished in the top 10 along with the Devils’ dynamic top line of Parise (7th), Travis Zajac (8th) and captain Jamie Langenbrunner (10th).

The most surprising result was NHL writers recognizing the defensive prowess of Zdeno Chara, who outpointed Mike Green 1,034 to 982 in winning his first Norris. Apparently, his 50 points and plus-23 were enough along with the strong leadership provided to beat out the offensive-minded Green, who netted 31 goals and 73 points in 69 games. It was refreshing to see defense rewarded for a change. Somewhere, Scott Stevens was probably shaking his head in disbelief. He was robbed in 1993-94 losing out to Ray Bourque. Chara received 18 more first place votes (68-50) and six-time winner Nick Lidstrom placed third with 733 points (14 1st). Chara also made a nice speech talking about all the sacrifices his parents made while pointedly thanking lovely wife Tatiana for always supporting him.

Rounding out the top 10 were Shea Weber, Dan Boyle, Duncan Keith, Andrei Markov, the Islanders’ Mark Streit, Brian Rafalski (1 first place vote ) and Scott Niedermayer.

A special moment occurred (no not when there was no reaction for Gary Bettman) when all-time great Montreal Canadien Jean Beliveau was presented with the Lifetime Achievment Award.  Very cool stuff.

Here are other award winners:

President’s Trophy-San Jose Sharks

Jennings-Tim Thomas, Manny Fernandez (Boston Bruins)

Art Ross-Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh

King Clancy-Ethan Moreau, Edmonton

Masterton-Steve Sullivan, Nashville

Mark Messier NHL Leadership-Jarome Iginla, Calgary

Also announced were the League All-Stars and All-Rookie Team.

ALL ROOKIE

G-Steve Mason, CBJ

D-Drew Doughty, LA

D-Luke Schenn, Tor

F-Patrik Berglund, Stl

F-Bobby Ryan, Ana

F-Kris Versteeg, Chi

2008-09 First All-Stars

G-Tim Thomas, Bos

D-Zdeno Chara, Bos

D-Mike Green, Wsh

C-Evgeni Malkin, Pit

RW-Jarome Iginla, Cgy

LW-Alex Ovechkin, Wsh

2008-09 2nd Team

G-Steve Mason, CBJ

D-Nick Lidstrom, Det

D-Dan Boyle, SJ

C-Pavel Datsyuk, Det

RW-Marian Hossa, Det

LW-Zach Parise, NJD

I don’t quite get Hossa on the 2nd Team but I guess cause it’s by position. Congratulations to all winners!