The Best of the Best

With the 2008-09 campaign almost under wraps, there have been plenty of headlines that have taken center ice. From headshots and fighting to the effects of the economy on American markets, there has been plenty of controversy (and entertainment) these past 6 months. That being said, let's have some fun and hand out some hardware to the NHL's best.


Art Ross Trophy (top point scorer in the NHL)

Nominees: Evgeni Malkin (PIT) (leads league with 97 points)

And the winner is.... Evgeni Malkin

Malkin continued his dominance from last season and proved that Sidney Crosby wasn't the only big name in Pittsburgh. Malkin has taken the point-scoring race by the horns and leads the league with 97 points in only 71 games, on pace to crack the 110 point mark. If only Malkin had a dominate winger to play with (much like Crosby's situation) we could potentially be linking him to the Hart Memorial trophy as well.

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (qualities of perseverance and sportsmanship)

Nominees: Steve Sullivan (NAS), Patrice Bergeron (BOS), Richard Zednik (FLA)

And the winner is.... Richard Zednik (FLA)

After teammate Olli Jokinen accidentally cut Zedník's external carotid artery with his right skate blade in February 2008, doctors were unsure if Zednik would ever play another game in the National Hockey League. Fast-forward to this season, and Zednik is back with the Panthers fighting for a playoff spot. In his first game back, he dished out two assists and is on pace for his best season in five years.

Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year)

Nominees: Bobby Ryan (ANA), Drew Doughty (LA), Steve Mason (CLB)

And the winner is.... Steve Mason

Coming out of nowhere this season, Steve Mason has rocketed the Columbus Blue Jackets from bottom-feeder to playoff team in the Western Conference standings. At only 20 years of age, Mason is ranked 3rd in the league with a 2.24 GAA with a sparkling 0.920 save percentage. Also taking note that Mason leads the league with 9 shutouts and is on pace to crack 30 wins, and it is easy to see that the Calder trophy is really no-contest. Mason wins hands down.

Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)

Nominees: Claude Julien (BOS), Todd McLellan (SJ), Brent Sutter (NJ)

And the winner is....Claude Julien (BOS)

After squeaking into the 2008 playoffs only to be eliminated in the first round, expectations were not high heading into the 2008-09 season for the B’s. However, the Bruins took the Canadiens to seven games in last year's opening round in what was a preview of things to come in 2009. Julien instilled a hard-nosed attitude in his players and has taken a team that was not expected to make the playoffs into a Stanley Cup final favorite. Guiding the team to a 45-17-9 record with only 11 games to go, Julien has locked up the Jack Adams.

James Norris Memorial Trophy (top defenceman in the NHL)

Nominees: Zdeno Chara (BOS), Dan Boyle (SJ), Mike Green (WAS)

And the winner is.... Mike Green (WAS)

This will be a hotly contested race down to the wire with all candidates worthy of this award. If the nomination list could be longer, it would certainly include the names of Nik Lidstrom and Shea Weber among others. That being said, Mike Green has 60 points in 57 games, with 16 on the powerplay to lead all defenceman in scoring. On top of all that, Green is +20 and averaging 26 minutes a game. Although Green doesn't fit the typical bill of an intimidating, physical force on the blueline, he more than makes up for it with his tremendous offensive ability and consistent defensive play.

Vezina Trophy (top goalie in the NHL)

Nominees: Tim Thomas (BOS), Niklas Backstrom (MIN), Evgeni Nabakov (SJ)

And the winner is....Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas will finally get his due when he is named the top goaltender in the NHL. Often criticized for his unorthodox style, Thomas has silenced his critics for a second straight season and deserves credit for his accomplishments. Leading the league in both save percentage and GAA while notching 30 wins should finally be good enough to put some hardware on his mantle.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (player who displays gentlemanly conduct)

Nominees: Zach Parise (NJ), Pavel Datsyuk (Det), Martin St. Louis (TB)

And the winner is....Pavel Datsyuk

It looks as though Pavel Datsyuk will finally be getting some competition after locking up his third consecutive Lady Byng Trophy last season. Zach Parise has been exceptional in 2008-09 and will look to interrupt Datsyuk's winning streak. Leading his team with 82 points in 68 games with only 22 penalty minutes, Parise is coming into his own as one of the league's rising stars.

Frank J. Selke Trophy (top defensive forward in the NHL)

Nominees: Mikko Koivu (MIN), Pavel Datsyuk (DET), Mike Richards (PHI)

And the winner is.... Mike Richards

Mike Richards has been an outstanding leader for the Philadelphia Flyers and will look to win his first Selke at only 24 years old. With 71 points (in 65 games) and 122 hits (8th among centers), Richards is the consummate teammate and will be a fixture among Selke candidates for years to come.

Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL most valuable player)

Nominees: Alexander Ovechkin (WAS), Jarome Iginla (CAL), Evgeni Malkin (PIT)

And the winner is.... Alexander Ovechkin

Combining lethal scoring ability with physical play is not a common package, but for Alexander Ovechkin it's the only way the game of hockey is played. Leading the league in goals, powerplay goals, game-winning goals, and currently third in the league scoring race should be enough to vault Ovechkin to his second Hart trophy. In addition, Ovechkin has led his team to the top of the Southeast division and the Capitals are considered an early favorite for the East finals. Still not enough? He sits seventh in the league with 222 hits. I rest my case.

After being a staple in 'The Baron' for three consecutive years, "Christos' Corner: The Puck Stops Here" has made its final appearance in UNBSJ's student newspaper. With this in mind, I would like to thank all of you, the readers. I hope you have enjoyed reading each article over the past three years as much as I have enjoyed writing them.

However, have no fear- "The Puck Stops Here" will continue to be available online at www.christoscorner.blogspot.com. Now, let's all sit back and enjoy the 2009 playoffs.


Christos