By TAKERJW

January 3, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

KOVY FOR MVP. TOBY FOR CALDER.

LETS JUST HOPE THE THRASHERS CAN GET OVER THE .500 HUMP AND STAY.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

January 3, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Toews wins Calder Brodeur wins Hart Babcock wins Jack Adams Lidstrom wins Norris Brodeur wins Vezina

bonus: Conference champs EAST: SE: Atlanta Atlantic: Jersey Northeast: Ottawa

WEST: central: Red Wings NW: Colorado Pacific: Ducks

East Champs: New Jersey West: Red Wings

Stanley Cup champs: New Jersey

By Tony C.

January 3, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

‘zilla you really think Brodeur wins the Hart over #17 and say Datsyuk??

By Bob

January 3, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Calder = Kane. Hart = Kovy (I’m not being biased, no single player has meant more for the success of his club this year). Adams = Babcock. Lidstrom Award = Just rename the thing already. Vezina = Nabokov

Atlantic = Blue Shirts. NE = Sens. SE = Canes.

Central = Wings. NW = Wild. Pacific = Sharks.

Sharks beat take Sens in 6.

By J

January 3, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Calder Memorial Trophy: Patrick Kane (Toews just got hurt and will be out a while…I think?)

Hart Memorial Trophy: Kovy. Gotta be. Zetteberg may wind up with better stats but he gets injured and the Wings would be fine without him. The Thrashers would be firmly in last place in the NHL without Kovy.

Jack Adams Award: i’ll throw some love Gretzky’s way. I don’t think too many of us could name 3 players on the Coyotes. Yet they’re over .500

James Norris Memorial Trophy: Lidstrom (yawn)

Vezina Trophy: Evgeni Nabokov - started EVERY game! (Osgood/Hasek split too much time. Honorable mention to Pascal Leclaire.

Stanley Cup Finals: Detroit over Ottawa in 6 (yawn, again)

Thrashers win the Southeast with 90 points.

By Ron

January 3, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Calder Memorial Trophy: Kane

Hart Memorial Trophy: Iginla

Jack Adams Award: Savard

James Norris Memorial Trophy: Lidstrom

Vezina Trophy: Nabokov or Osgood

Maurice Richard: Ilya K.

Plus these bonus questions: Stanley Cup winner? Detroit Red Wings

Conference champs? New Jersey and Detroit Do the Thrashers make the playoffs? Yes

By Buzilla Baby Blues

January 3, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I do think Kovy will win the Rocket award all by himself this year, but Craig didn’t ask about it

By Ron

January 3, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

In order for Toby to win the Calder he’ll need to continue doing what he’s doing and also put 12-15 in the net.

By Brendan

January 3, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Hart Trophy, often called the “league MVP,” actually is awarded on the basis of the player being the “most valuable to his team” throughout the regular season. This award perfectly describes Ilya Kovalchuk. Where would Atlanta be without him?

Calder: I’m going with Patrick Kane, the 1st overall pick from this Summer’s draft. I have to say … I’m very impressed with the Buffalo native.

Jack Adams Award: I can’t say just yet. So many teams are all jumbled up that, aside from Detroit and Ottawa, there seems to be a lot of parity. I’ll give credit to Philadelphia, though GM Holgrem is mostly responsible for that. As much as it pains me to say so, Coach Hitchcock is doing a good job with what he’s got to work with in Columbus.

The Norris should go to Lidstrom. Again.

The Vezina: Nicklaus Backstrom / Roberto Luongo / Chris Osgood. Could I waffle more???

Lady Byng: Joe Sakic, Colorado.

By Ron

January 3, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

In order for Toby to win the Calder he’ll need to continue with what he’s currently doing, but he will need to finish with 12-15 goals.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

January 3, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

I think Brodeur will have a monster 2nd half. I do believe that Kovy will deserve it more, but that isn’t always who will win it.

By GaVaHokie

January 3, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Calder: Enstrom

Hart: it’s a race, Kovalchuk, Lecavalier and Iginla

Adams: Hitchcock or Babcock… one of the cocks. :)

Norris: Lidstrom

Vezina: Osgood

By jen

January 3, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

J - Jovonovski, Tellqvist and Doan for all you yotes fans

Back to regular scheduled blog commenting:

Calder - really want to give it to Toby, he leads all rookies in TOI and is top 3 in rookie scoring and defense is much harder on rookies, but I think the last defensive rookie of the year was 99-2000 and we all know what a great draft class that was. Kane gets it - only because Toews got hurt (see comments above) Hart - Ilya all the way, no bias, but as everyone else says, Thrashers are pulling the lotto pick for Stamkos without his play. Zetterberg has been great, Iginla has had a heack of a year, but no one has been to his team what Kovy has been this year for us. Jack Adams- Hitchcock if the Jackets make the playoffs, Andy Murray also gets consideration. Norris- Lidstrom, don’t think anyone else wins this until he retires. Vezina - Think this is Luongo’s year to win it. Brodeur has not been invincible. Osgood probably should get it, but don;t think he’s a big enough name for consideration. Atlantic - Rangers SE - Atlanta (homer pick, but i get to be a homer if i want) NE - Ottawa Central - Detroit Pacific - Dallas NW - someone not named Edmonton (I hate picking this division - lets go with Vancouver for the Brabarian) Stanley Cup - Vancouver vs. Rangers- rematch of ‘94

By Darren

January 3, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

I might be chickening out (okay, I AM chickening out), but I think it’s too early to call a Hart winner.

Kovalchuk is deserving. But so is Lundqvist. As much as I loathe to admit it, Lecaval-puke is deserving.

If the Thrashers emerge and win the division, I think Kovalchuk should win it, though, because the Rangers have a lot more around them than the Thrashers do.

The game last night was all the case you would need. Everybody knew the team was counting on Kovalchuk to carry a team to the win, and the Canes still couldn’t stop him.

By dj

January 3, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I will be biased. Kovy is the MVP. The NHL needs to market him like Crosby but they won’t b/c he is Russian. You score 30% of your teams goals and they make the playoffs after starting 0-6, that’s good. He will fight for his teammates, he is learning defensive responsibility and has matured. I bet you though he would rather win the Selke then the Hart. Every team tries to stop Kovy. He is matched against their best d-man. Yet, he manages to score goals and make incredible passes. If he lead the leagues in goals and points this season he is easily the MVP.

By ranallo10

January 3, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

ESPN thinks the following regarding the trophy topic:

Calder: Enstrom (ATL)

Hart: Lidstrom (DET)

Jack Adams Award: Savard (CHI)

James Norris: Lidstrom (DET)

Vezina: Nabokov (SJ)

By Christy

January 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Out of curiosity, just for the sake of argument, who if not Lidstrom, or assuming Lidstrom retires…

1) Who would win it now and (2)who is the likely successor of Lidstrom as the perpetual winner of the Norris. Phaneuf?

By J

January 3, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Rafalski probably has the 2nd best stats for a dman. Then imagine what he would do with Lidstrom’s ice time!

By Brendan

January 3, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Christy, Chris Pronger is widely regarded as one of the premier defensemen. Some think Chara is among the best. Niedermayer will probably retire soon. So, Phaneuf is a very good choice. Also, let’s not forget that Jack Johnson will be coming into his own in the coming years, out in Los Angeles.

By Craig Custance

January 3, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Thrashers call up Kevin Doell from Chicago to replace Eric Boulton. They expect Boulton to be out about a week.

By ranallo10

January 3, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Christy — In my opinion, Sergei Zubov would win it this year (sans Lidstrom)…he has been one of the best defenders over the past few years, currently second in the league in points for a defenseman (behind Lidstrom). He’s had two - seasons in the past 10 years.

However, he’s 37 too. As for young guys likely a successor, off the top of my head I’d say Redden or Campbell (depending on what you consider “young”). They both likely have at least 5 years of top level hockey ahead of them, so could be challengers for the title for years to come. I don’t personally feel that Phaneuf qualifies for the award because I feel Phaneuf is a borderline dirty defender (much like Pronger).

By ranallo10

January 3, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

One last thing regarding the Norris…the last few awards have been given to defenders who excel in all aspects of the game (defensive ability, point production, and seemingly overall +/-). This of all trophies seems to be loosely based on the few statistics one can find on a defender, as well as their overall perceived impact on the game. Somebody like Chara and Pronger (high PIM) are going to suffer due to their chippy play and propensity to rough up players, where able puck movers like Niedermayer and Lidstrom are more likely to steal the award year in and year out.

Phaneuf has a booming shot and a hard check, but is positionally weak and often worried more about punishing a player at the blue line than playing sound defense (like Exelby). I don’t forsee Norris’ in Phaneuf’s immediate future unless he can curtail his headhunting and focus on defending.

By Tony C.

January 3, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Yeah Zubov is money.

By chickenhawk

January 3, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Craig posted about Doell over an hour ago, and yet the Thrashers website says nothing about it. How friggin’ lame is that? THRASHERS MARKETING IS NOW HIRING CAPABLE STAFF.

By R. Stroz

January 3, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

They should have brought up Desbiens to replace Bolts.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 3, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Craig, The sickening thing for the faithful Thrasher Fan has got to be last Monday’s lose at Boston. Think about it folks, if we had those 2 points, we would be in sole possession of 7th place.

Awards: Calder Memorial Trophy: Patrick Kane Hart Memorial Trophy: Kovalchuk Jack Adams Award: Babcock(Pulling for Waddell) James Norris Trophy: Nick Lidstrom Vezina Trophy: Evgeni Nabokov Rocket Richard Trophy: Kovy Lady Byng : Rod Brindamour

Southeast: Atlanta Northeast: Ottawa Atlantic: New Jersey Central: Detroit Northwest: Calgary Pacific: Anahiem

Stanley Cup winner: Detroit Conference champs: East: Ottawa West Detroit Yes, Thrashers make the playoffs!!

By Tony C.

January 3, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Ok also I ran across this pice of frostback love ….somebody get this jackleg’s email address!!!

No offense “The Dion” (who I understand is p!ssing off “The Team” with his whole “The Dion” bit) is nasty….but it’s not like he’s the only guy who can really light somebody up open-ice.

Let’s remind Geroge Douche…err Johnson aware that even though he’s required to wave the home-town flag, if he posts to the Worldwide leader X deserves at least an Honorable Mention.

Get me his email!!!

GO BLUE !!!

By Jameson

January 3, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

J- I agree with you on just about all of that. I picked it to be Ottawa over Detroit in 6, however.

By ToF

January 3, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Call me a homer but if Enstrom continues to develop at his current pace for another year or two, I think he can make a case for a few Norris trophies.

By Michael Shapiro

January 3, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Craig

Sorry, but if we’re looking for a center out of the Wolves, why not Krog? I know he’s been up and down in the past, but he’s leading the AHL with 49 points so far…

By Hockeyfan

January 3, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Michael Krog plays on a top line. The Don brought a player to fill the opening we have which is third or 4th line.

By Michael Shapiro

January 3, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Hockeyfan

I guess that’s my point. Other teams roll 3 or even 4 “true” lines, while we persist in rolling 2 shooting lines, a third “grind” line and a fourth line that sees limited action. If we make more of our lines scoring threats, with responsible two way players, wouldn’t that change the dynamic for our opponents? I know that Bolts is a hitter, but we have Thorburn, Ex and Mac to hit (plus Larsen and the Captain if he ever remembers that he can hit, and even Stewart and Zhitnik if he can ever find his skates)…so, why must we bring up someone who has more PIM than PTS?

By Tom

January 4, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

From the Raleigh paper:

After three months of playing about as well as he could in the minor leagues, Michael Leighton got the call from the Carolina Hurricanes. Beset by inconsistent goaltending from Cam Ward and John Grahame, the Canes placed Grahame on waivers Thursday and recalled Leighton, 26, from the Albany River Rats.

By Christy

January 4, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Good Morning all.

Brendan -thanks - hadn’t even thought of Johnson.

Ranallo - I’d read that elsewhere about Phaneuf - the lack of positioning, etc. can’t remember where, but given how young he is and already good, don’t you think he can continue to develop and mature and become that well-rounded defenseman?

BTW, as for Doell - according to DW - listening to him now on the radio - he’s “feisty” and fits the role that’s open…

By Christy

January 4, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Good Morning all.

Brendan -thanks - hadn’t even thought of Johnson.

Ranallo - I’d read that elsewhere about Phaneuf - the lack of positioning, etc. can’t remember where, but given how young he is and already good, don’t you think he can continue to develop and mature and become that well-rounded defenseman?

BTW, as for Doell - according to DW - listening to him now on the radio - he’s “feisty” and fits the role that’s open…

By Jim

January 4, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Happy that Doell is getting a look. He has some talent. Interesting that with Krog/Giroux/Doell in Chicago, Little is getting less playing time than he had here. So much for the baloney that they’ve sent him down to get playing time. There is no one in the league playing better than Kovy right now- both offensively and surprisingly on defense. HE IS ONE SUPER STUD RIGHT NOW.

By ranallo10

January 4, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Christy — I think he could develop eventually, but I truly believe he will continue to be known as a hitter first and a defender second. I forsee more Norris trophies in Enstrom’s or Edler’s (VAN) future than Phaneuf’s…but maybe I’m a little biased.

Remember though, Scott Stevens never won a Norris trophy.

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

It is astonishing to think that Scott Stevens never won a Norris Trophy. Yet, throughout the latter years of his career, he was highly regarded. Scott Stevens was known as a heavy hitter, but a “clean” one. He didn’t rack up the Pims for chippy hits.

Christy, please also consider that Jack Johnson is still very young and still developing. He’s probably best described as a “prospect.” But I think he has a good future. A few years back, Barret Jackman, of the St. Louis Blues, won the Calder Trophy. Jackman has not truly placed his name in the upper echelon of the league. He also had some injuries. Dion Phaneuf will continue to develop. He might not win any Norris trophies, but every team would probably “want him” if they got the opportunity to land his contract.

One of my very favorite blueliners is Dan Boyle, of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Truly, he is the “glue” that holds the Bolts together and allows everything else to blossom. I’m sorry that he is hurt, as a fan of the game. As a Thrashers fan, however, I’m not crying about it.

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Wes Goldstein harpoons Atlanta and Florida in his analysis of the pending RFA and UFAs for this summer. You’ll all particularly love the way Goldstein characterizes the way Atlanta’s title hopes are “unrealistic” for player of Hossa’s caliber to seriously consider as an unrestricted free agent.

I’ll agree that Marian Hossa doesn’t believe in Blueland. If he did, he’d have re-signed by now.

But I urge you to look at Goldstein’s list. Granted, they’re mostly RFA’s that will cost the lion’s share of the team’s future draft picks. But some are unrestricted, like Buffalo’s Brian Campbell, Ottawa’s Wade Redden, and Dallas’ Mike Ribeiro. If there is any RFA possibility for Atlanta, it might be Nashville’s Shea Weber. But again, price could get out of hand, as the GM’s get more and more desperate and foolish in the offseason spending sprees.

You can all see, now, just how important DRAFT DAY really is. To go get RFAs and UFAs is the sure way to max out your cap and limit your depth possibilities.

Some of the other names Goldstein floated were Philly’s Carter and RJ Umberger, Ryan Suter (2003 Draft pick before Braydon Coburn and Dion Phaneuf) and Martin Erat in Nashville, Florida’s Jay Bouwmeester (3rd overall pick, 2002, selected AFTER Kari Lehtonen that year,) Calgary’s Dion Phaneuf and Anaheim’s Corey Perry.

The top name was, of course, Alexander Ovechkin, who apparently rejected a $7.5 million deal, per Goldstein. He’ll probably command the league maximum, either by the Capitals or from an RFA offer sheet. If you’re the Capitals, it looks bad to lose this guy. Then again, five 1st round picks, 4 second round picks, and a smattering of 3rd round picks, from some “bottom-feeder” team, plus your own picks, reflects more than ample opportunity to consume a good chunk of the future young talent of the NHL in the hands of a capable GM. Then again, will any of those picks ever truly replace Ovechkin?

Ovechkin could also choose to play in the Russian Super Elite league for similar money and pay no tax on his astronomical salary. It would look very bad for the NHL if that happened. But, don’t hold your breath for that.