Early Favorites for NHL's Awards
Craig Custance - SportingNews.com
Mar 23, 2010
Favorites for the NHL's four top postseason player awards have emerged, and there's not a Boston Bruin in sight. That's quite a change from last year, but one thing remains the same -- the MVP choice.
Hart Trophy
Alex Ovechkin, F, Capitals
Ovechkin is making a strong case to become the first player to win three consecutive MVP trophies since Wayne Gretzky, who collected eight straight in the 1980s. Ovechkin is battling Penguins star Sidney Crosby for the league's goal-scoring lead but, surprisingly, has nine more assists than Crosby. And Ovechkin continues to elevate his game. "It's just (Ovechkin's) desire," says Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik. "You see how big and strong he is; he has a great shot. But it's really just his energy and desire. It seems like he never stops."
Others to watch: Sidney Crosby, F, Penguins; Patrick Marleau, F, Sharks; Ryan Miller, G, Sabres
Vezina Trophy
Ryan Miller, Sabres
During the Olympics, the world caught a glimpse of what Buffalo fans have seen all season: Miller's dominance. He was named the most valuable player of the Olympic tournament and could be the NHL's MVP as well. If not, he's at least the Vezina Trophy favorite. Miller has elevated his game enough to impress former Sabres teammate Chris Drury, who already thought Miller was pretty darn good. "He's obviously having a heck of a year. He just seems like a guy who is always trying to get better in whatever he's doing," says Drury, now the Rangers' captain. "On ice or off ice, he kind of has this quiet, calm intensity about him. Amazingly, as good as I thought he was years ago … he's light-years past that."
Others to watch: Ilya Bryzgalov, Coyotes; Martin Brodeur, Devils; Craig Anderson, Avalanche
Norris Trophy
Duncan Keith, Blackhawks
Nobody knows Keith's play better than Brent Seabrook, his defensive partner in Chicago. And to Seabrook, picking Keith to win the Norris is a no-brainer. "It's a pretty easy case," Seabrook says. "He's been great this year. He's been huge for our team. He's done a great job elevating his game from last year." OK, so his teammate likes him. But what about a high-scoring rival forward? "I think he's been unbelievable," Devils star Zach Parise says. "He has good numbers; he has a good plus-minus. He's tough to play against. I'd be surprised if he wasn't in the top three." Others to watch: Mike Green, Capitals; Drew Doughty, Kings; Chris Pronger, Flyers
Calder Trophy
Tyler Myers, D, Sabres
Don't be surprised if Myers wins rookie of the year honors and follows that with Norris Trophy contention next season. He has been that good for the Sabres. "He makes smart plays, he gets up ice -- he's going to be the premier defenseman in the league. I don't know how long it's going to take, but I don't think it'll take that long," Ryan Miller says. "He just turned 20, and he's still learning how to shoot. He's still learning these things, and he's barely been playing hockey long enough to master the craft. It's amazing where he's at."
Others to watch: Matt Duchene, F, Avalanche; John Tavares, F, Islanders; Jimmy Howard, G, Red Wings
Craig Custance is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ccustance@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the March 15 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
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