NHL AWARDS

By Mike Rifkin

We have reached the NHL All Star break and here are my picks for the NHL awards along with the biggest surprise and disappointments from both conferences.

HART : Alex Ovechkin Capitals: The Capitals Captain has 29 goals and 58 points in his age 36 season. He is on pace to have a career season as he approaches the All Time goal scoring record. Ovechkin is 13 points ahead of the second best scorer on Washington who have been hit a bit by the injury bug. Other two finalists: Jonathan Huberdeau Panthers, Leon Draisatil Oilers. 

Norris: Cale Makar Avalanche: Makar leads all NHL defensemen in goals with 18 and is third in points for the first place Colorado Avalanche. 5 of Makar’s 18 goals are game winning goals. Other finalists: Victor Hedman Lightning, Adam Fox Rangers, Roman Josi Predators. I know there are only three finalists but all four of these defensemen are having tremendous seasons. 

Vezina: Igor Shesterkin Rangers: Rangers goalie has a record of 22-5-2 with a 2.10 goals against average, .937 save percentage and 3 shutouts. Goals against average is third, save percentage is second and he is tied for third in shutouts in the NHL. He has been fantastic for the surprising Rangers. Other potential finalists Frederik Anderson Hurricanes, Juuse Saros Predators, Andrei Vasilevskiy Lightning, Jacob Markstrom Flames

Jack Adams: John Hynes Predators: This is probably the most difficult one for me because there are 6 very good choices. The reason I went with Hynes is because of how deep the Central division is and Nashville is currently second in that division. Other candidates: Dallas Eakins Ducks, Craig Berube Blues, Gerard Gallant Rangers, Andrew Brunette Panthers, Mike Sullivan Penguins, Rod Brind’Amour Hurricanes.

Calder: Trevor Zegras Ducks. The young centerman is tied for second among rookies in points. Zegras also has the best assist of the season and a lacrosse goal. But the reason I put him over Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider is where Anaheim is in the standings. Anton Lundell of Florida is also having a tremendous season. 

Biggest Surprise East: New York Rangers. This can be conceived as a homer pick but if you were to tell anyone at the All Star Break that the Rangers would be in second place in the Metropolitan Division I would have said there is no way. Igor Shesterkin has been sensational. Chris Kreider is having a career year hitting 30 goals for the first time in his career, Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad have been great for the Blueshirts. 

Biggest Disappointment East: New York Islanders. I want to preface this by saying I do believe the Islanders can make a run in the second half. But this team has been to back to back Conference Finals and has a lot of talent. In the first half they averaged 2.36 goals per game and only two teams scored fewer, the Coyotes and the Canadiens. 

Biggest Surprise West Anaheim Ducks. Similar to the Rangers I don’t think most people expected the Ducks to be in a playoff position. But the youth movement in Anaheim and John Gibson’s stellar play has Anaheim thinking playoffs. The Ducks will be interesting come the March 21st trade deadline they have three key players Rickard Rakell, Hampus Lindholm, and Josh Manson all pending unrestricted free agents who they could move for more future assets. Ducks fans haven’t been this excited since Gordon Bombay coached them.

Biggest Disappointment West: Winnipeg Jets. The Jets are too talented to be sixth in the Central Division.  Kyle Connor has been awesome for them, but they need more offense from Mark Schiefle who has 10 goals in 36 games and Blake Wheeler who has 2 goals in 28 games. Connor Hellebuyck has been very good with a 2.90 GAA and a .910 save percentage