By Josh Heller
Staff Writer
In this NHL season, there have been teams that had some ups, other teams with some downs, and some teams with both. Some teams fired their coaches, while others have had the same coach for years and years. Let’s look at the award and Stanley Cup projections.
Hart Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player): Pekka Rinne, goalie, Nashville Predators
Almost every year, it feels as though people pick the Hart trophy winner as the best player in the league that year. However, this is not who the trophy is awarded for. The Most Valuable Player is the player who, if that team were to not have him, would struggle immensely. Prior to the All-Star break, the Nashville Predators had 30 wins on the season. Of those 30 wins, 29 of them came from Rinne (Carter Hutton got one win). Unfortunately, right before the All-Star break, Rinne suffered a sprained knee, an injury which will keep him sidelined for 3-5 weeks. Hopefully for Nashville, Rinne gets back soon, and can help carry the 1st place Predators to the playoffs.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender): Roberto Luongo, Florida Panthers
The only reason Luongo is here is if Rinne wins the Hart. If someone like Rick Nash or Ryan Getzlaf win the Hart trophy, I would put Rinne here. Luongo is no slouch, though. Last year, the Panthers were a terrible team, and they got the first overall pick, a pick they used to select defenseman Aaron Ekblad. This year, they find themselves just a few points out of a wild car spot. Some woes from last year stay with Florida this year: no goal scoring and possession numbers, among them. But there is one thing that Florida has this year that they did not have last year: good goaltending. Luongo has stolen numerous games for the Panthers, and has helped to drag them from the bottom to the middle of the pack. It’s nice to see that even at age 35. Luongo can get it done.
Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year): Paul Maurice, Winnipeg Jets
I know, not exactly the sexiest team in the NHL. But it seems that no matter how many injuries the Winnipeg Jets have to face, they just seem to bounce right back. As of the All-Star break, the Jets currently stand in a playoff spot, despite the amazing number of injuries to the squad (some major ones including Evander Kane, Grant Clitsome, and Zach Bogosian. However, one of the saving graces for Winnipeg (along with Maurice) has been the play of their goaltenders, especially backup goalie and rookie Michael Hutchison. This is Hutchison’s first season in the big-show, and his numbers are incredible. Like Luongo for Florida, Hutchison has stolen games for the Jets. Although Hutchison has been incredible, Maurice has done a fantastic job managing all of the bad luck the Jets have had to face with injuries, and that’s why he gets my vote.
James Norris Trophy (top defenseman): Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames.
The Calgary Flames have been one of the biggest surprises to me this season. Sure, they’ve had help from top prospect Johnny Gaudreau (Johnny Hockey), but Giordano has been incredible for them this season. In the 47 games before the All-Star break, Giordano had 40 points, the most among any defenseman. Not only is he scoring, but he can also shut down the opposition. Giordano has helped goaltender Jonas Hiller and the Calgary Flames keep the puck out, and if he can keep it up, we could see the Flames maintain their playoff spot.
Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie): Filip Forsberg, forward, Nashville Predators
This one was a close one, coming down to Hutchison, Forsberg, and Gaudreau. But I had to give this one to Forsberg. Nashville has only made a few changes from last year’s team, including a new coach, forward James Neal, and the amazing play of Forsberg. Forsberg is a big kid who can not only score but can also make some nice passes. Oh yeah, and he was an All-Star. Forsberg has really helped Nashville get to their 1st place spot, alongside Rinne, and I for one hope that he can keep it up.
Stanley Cup: Chicago Blackhawks over the Tampa Bay Lightning
Boy, would this be one heck of a series to watch. Actually, the whole playoffs would be great. The Western Conference is absolutely stacked, but I believe that the Blackhawks could edge out teams such as the Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues. It just comes down to skill and scoring more goals than your opponent, and the Blackhawks are as good as they come, with superstars like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith, not to mention a solid goalie in Corey Crawford. The Eastern conference, while not as stacked as the West, is no cake-walk either. I feel like Tampa Bay could edge out teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, and both the Islanders and Rangers. Steven Stamkos is an absolute monster, and when you have supporting guys like Tyler Johnson, Victor Hedman, and a top 10 goalie in Ben Bishop, you’re built for a playoff run. I could see a series like this go to 6 or 7 games, but I have the Blackhawks outlasting the Lightning. But, the top of the standings in each conference is so stacked that I could see things go many different ways.
This season has been a joy to watch. And frankly, I can’t wait for the playoffs to start! The All-Star weekend has just ended, so let’s get back to some hockey! Hope you all enjoy the rest of the season, be sure to check back before the playoffs start for a preview!
