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In case you missed it, the NHL Awards were last night. I could be wrong, but from my experience watching hockey, this might have been one of the award shows with the bigger interest. I judge this mostly from the amount of celebrity appearances and special announcements. No house wives this year mispronouncing players names, so perhaps the NHL learned from the Martin St. Louis mishap last year.
It seemed like all the celebrity hockey fans came out of the woodwork for last night’s show. Will Arnett had some hilarious parody videos of Brendan Shanahan and Tracey Morgan’s Winter Classic 24/7 bit was equally as funny. The ceremony also was getting fans in on the action via twitter.
So let’s recap who won what. The Penguins Evgeni Malkin came out on top last night as he won three awards: the Hart Trophy for MVP, The Art Ross, for most points scored and The Ted Lindsay Award for outstanding player. Although his English might not be the greatest, Malkin had one heck of a season when he took over dominating the ice for absent Captain Sidney Crosby. Even though his team did not get the season win they were hoping for, Malkin still showed that on the ice he knows exactly what he is capable of, and he’ll be back again to do it next year.
The fan voted EA Sports NHL 13 cover athlete was finally announced. Was anyone surprised that it turned out to be Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux? If a goaltender was going on the cover, it would probably have gone to Quick or Lundqvist.
Speaking of which, as already given out Quick received the Conn Smythe trophy for the MVP in the playoffs. With the way he played it was much deserved. Quick went up against Lundqvist and Pekka Rinne. The winner of the Vezina Trophy had already been decided before playoffs, so it was no surprise when Lundqvist took it home after three straight years of being beaten out for the trophy. Lundqvist even got a little flustered during his speech and dropped the f-bomb under his breathe. Quick, who got flack for dropping 3 during the Kings rally, tweeted thanks to Lundqvist for taking the heat off of him for a bit. Lundqvist, being the classy dude that he is even apologized via tweeter for his faux pas.
There were two Ottawa Senators winners at the awards. Karlsson won the James Norris memorial trophy for being the best defensemen and team Captain Alfredsson won the King Clancy for all his charity efforts.
There was also a few awards for the St. Louis Blues. Head coach Ken Hitchcock won the Jack Adams and the goaltenders Elliot and Halak won the Jennings Trophy for least goals against.
With 60 goals scored in a season, it was no surprise when the Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy was given to the Lightening’s Steven Stamkos. In news for the other Florida team, Brian Campbell having logged only 6 PIMs won the Lady Byng.
The rookie of the year, the Calder memorial trophy went to Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche. Boston’s Bergeron as the best defensive forward won the Selke due to his ability to play on both ends of the ice. And finally, the Bill Masterton went to Montreal Canadians Max Pacioretty.
Let’s see if these winners can live up to what they did this season when October rolls around.
