(Almost) Mid-Year Predictions/Awards

Well, seeing were nearing the mid-point of the year in the NHL, I think it's fair to make a good judgement of where teams stand, and how they are going to fair for the rest of the season. So far, Gary Bettman and the NHL could not have asked for a better season. The Chicago Blackhawks have risen from the ashes truly as a young-and-gun team ready to prove to the league that they are the real deal. The yet again seemingly impenetreable New Jersey Devils are locked in a wrestling match with the defending Stanley Cup champions Pittsburgh Penguins in one of the most interesting division races we may have seen in years. It's a great year for hockey, and everyone should be loving it.

First of all, I would like to hand out my awards for the mid-year. They may be the front-runners, but still have a long way to go.


Vezina Trophy (Best Goalie) -
Under no circumstances should this go to anyone else but Ryan Miller. As of 36 games, Miller posts a 1.89 goals against, and a .939 save percentage. A career year for Miller so far, he looks to lead the Sabres to the promised land, or at least a return to the playoffs after a two year drought.

Honorable Mentions: Martin Brodeur(NJD), Miikka Kiprusoff (CGY) Evgeni Nabokov (SJS)

Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman)
The Norris Trophy may be the hardest one to hand out at this point, but I would have to hand it to Duncan Keith. Chicago is off to one of its best starts in recent memory, and Keith is the biggest reason why. Keith consistently puts in great effort night in night out, going more than 26 minutes on a consistent basis. He is 3rd in TOI, and is a solid +9. Look for Chicago to go deep into the playoffs because of its solid defense corps., led by Keith.

Honorable Mentions: Drew Doughty(LAK), Mike Green (WSH), Jay Bouwmeester (CGY)

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
Another very tough one, but I'll take a walk on the wild side (bias aside) and go with the 19 year-old defenseman Tyler Myers. The Sabres are second in the east in goals against, and have one of the best goalies in the league. But one of the main reasons he is so good is Buffalo's defense, led by Myers. He has confidence and playmaking ability beyond his years. He isn't afraid to lead the rush. He leads all rookies in TOI and is 7th in scoring. He still has much to prove, but has been the best rookie thus far.

Honorable mentions: Ryan O'Reilly (COL), John Tavares(NYI), Matt Duchene(COL)

Frank J. Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)
Well, this guy can do it all, and will for a long time. Jonathan Toews is another reason why the Blackhawks are good again. He leads all centers in+/- and is a key penalty killer for the Blackhawks. He can score, too, but isn't afraid of making that shot-block and defends just as well as he scores. Keith and Toews will bring the Blackhawks deep into the playoffs with their strong defense.

Honorable Mentions: Pavel Datsyuk (DET), Alex Burrows (VAN), Joe Thornton (SJS)

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
Joe Thornton is the best hockey player in the world. He is one of the most prolific passers in the history of the game, and is an exceptional penalty killer. He leads the league in scoring with 51 points in 37 games played. I will not say he is the sole reason the Sharks are near the top of the league, but he is a large part of that. Adding Dany Heatley to his line was an amazing aquistion over the offseason.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Miller (BUF), Sidney Crosby (PIT), Ilya Kovalchuk (ATL)

Seems to be the gist of who's doing what in the season so far individually, team wise though...

Northeast Divison: Buffalo Sabres. Look for the Sabres to ride the goaltending of Ryan Miller and their spectacular defense into their second division title in four years. They will not be true contenders until they make a move for a big time scorer. Ottawa and Boston look to make the playoffs as well, carrying strong records into late December. Montreal isn't living up to their potential, again, and will not make the playoffs until they do. Toronto also has potential to sneak in especially with sniper Phil Kessel back from surgery.

Atlantic Divison: New Jersey Devils. Why? Martin Brodeur and their defense. Similar to Buffalo? I think so. And that is why Pittsburgh will not win this division. Marc-Andre Fleury and their injuries will stop them from winning the division, but definitely not the playoffs, nor going very deep into them. The Rangers and Flyers just plain suck and the Islanders still have kinks to get out before they become real contenders anytime soon.

Southeast Division: Washington Capitals. Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin are scoring left and right, and making a case for the best defense is a great offense. The Thrashers are quietly having a good year behind the leadership/goal scoring of MVP candidate Ilya Kovalchuk and goaltending of Johan Hedberg. Florida or Tampa may sneak in, but chances are slim, both teams are way too inconsistent. Carolina is the worst team in the league, 'nuff said.

Northwest Division: Calgary Flames. As much as I would love to see Vancouver here, both them and Colorado will fall to the superior goaltending and defense combo of Calgary. Calgary has some of the best defense in the league, led by Bouwmeester and Dion Phaneuf, and perennial offensive force Jarome Iginla. Goaltender Miikka Kipprusoff is off to yet another awesome year as well. Vancouver is way to inconsistent despite the return of Daniel Sedin. Goaltender Roberto Luongo needs to pick et up if they are expected to do anything . Colorado is young and unexperienced but are playing exceptionally well and are a lock for the playoffs. Vancouver better get its act together, or else they may be in danger of not making it like their counterparts Minnesota and Edmonton (sadly).

Pacific Division: San Jose Sharks. Again, Thornton, Heatley, Marleau. These guys are virtually unstoppable, look for them to very deep and avenge their first round lost to the Ducks last year. The Kings are having a great season and should make the playoffs, especially after the return of Ryan Smyth to help Anze Kopitar score goals again. Phoenix is riding the strong play of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and are quietly having their best year in recent memory. Dallas is having an OK year too, but have to play consistent in order to make the playoffs. Talk about living up to their potential, the Ducks are the saddest story in the NHL this year for me. No one likes to play defense on that team, but they seem to be on the rise after going 5-2-3 in their last 10.

Central Division: Chicago Blackhawks. The most predictable division in the NHL is not so predictable anymore. The rise of the Blackhawks has created quite the disruption in this division. Led by Pat Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith, the Blackhawks look to go deep into the playoffs with the best defensive corps. in the league. Also, where the hell did the Nashville Predators come from. They have come out of nowhere to contend with the Blackhawks lgetimately for the division title. The Red Wings are having a poor year and are on the bubble for making the playoffs, but have no fear, they will make the playoffs. The Blues and Jackets are bad and I don't feel like writing in vain about their chances of making the playoffs, sorry.

STANLEY CUP CHAMPS???

Way to early to tell, and really shouldn't even be being talked about, but...I predict to see the Buffalo Sabres or New Jersey Devils in the East, and the Blackhawks or Sharks in the West. The Northeast Division was the only division not to win a Stanley Cup in the past decade...they are due. Im just saying. And the two teams from the west are nasty and no one can deny it.


Go Canada,
Reggie Dunlop