NHL Awards Predictions!

[langway05]

Well!

This time not from tsn.ca!

From the folks over at the Canadian Press!

Some interesting thoughts from Da Boyz! at the Canadian Press!

Thanks for droppin' in!

Brian

 

[easton55]

Some fairly no brainer decisions, but I don't think Neidermayer should get the Norris, just don't believe the season has been that great for him. Good, but not great. And the Hart I think should go to Jagr or Kiprusoff. They made a big spiel about how Thornton turned around SJs season, but only half a season. Without Jagr, the NYR would have sunk like a stone right from the start. And without Kipper in Calgary this year, they go nowhere. Too many games the team took the night off and he saved their butts. But here it's not likely a goalie will take home the award.

 

[Kharlamov17]

As much as i'd like Miikka to win the Hart, i still think Jagr has had a bigger impact with the Rangers. They seem to be unstoppable on the offensive side of their game.

Crossing my fingers for Vezina tho.

 

[quincy]

Not entirely. Even a mediocre season from Jags would have allowed the Rangers to contend in the east. Without Kipper, Calgary's lookin' a lot like they did with Vernon in net and certainly nowhere near a playoff contender.

 

[sprague11]

Thornton's a fairly good bet for the Pearson if he doesn't take the Hart. Outside of the Vezina, every trophy has at least 2-3 names that you could make a strong case for.

 

[peacefrogdog]

I think Niedermayer is deserving of consideration for the Hart - but because Jagr, Thornton, Kibber, Staal are also deserving, Neids will end up winning the Norris.

 

[Meth68]

Sorry to say but no way thornton takes the hart over jagr. The sharks are always mentioned as a playoff team, yea the were underachieving before joe got there but they had a solid team. them making the playoffs wouldnt amaze anyone. Now the rangers on the other hand. coming into the season this was their worst team on paper for years, combine that with 0 playoff shots in 7 years. NO ONE had the rangers making the playoffs let alone first in their division. Even ranger fans were prepared for another tough year, possibly our worst in many years.

 

[Bossy22]

Sorry to say but no way thornton takes the hart over jagr. The sharks are always mentioned as a playoff team, yea the were underachieving before joe got there but they had a solid team. them making the playoffs wouldnt amaze anyone. Now the rangers on the other hand. coming into the season this was their worst team on paper for years, combine that with 0 playoff shots in 7 years. NO ONE had the rangers making the playoffs let alone first in their division. Even ranger fans were prepared for another tough year, possibly our worst in many years.

The Rangers have had alot more reasons for the improvement than Jagr. The play of rookies Lundqvist and Prucha, as well as the play of most of their forwards have been a step up. Rangers are a way deeper team than they have been for a long time. Jot to dish Jagr but Thornton has done just as much for the Sharks.

 

[Meth68]

A true great player makes players around step up their game. True examples are lemieux and gretzky with players such as glenn anderson, kevin stevens and so on.

Nylander has never been a point per game guy in his 13 year pro career

Rucinsky hasnt been a point per game guy since 1995-1996

Straka hasnt been a point per game guy since 2000-2001 when he had a linemate named lemieux.

Prucha has missed 15 games.

Sykora hasnt been a point per game guy since 2000-2001.

Also to my knowledge it was jagrs idea to bring in all the czech's including prucha. I could be wrong here but I believe I have heard this several times.

 

[tealfan]

Sorry to say but no way thornton takes the hart over jagr. The sharks are always mentioned as a playoff team, yea the were underachieving before joe got there but they had a solid team. them making the playoffs wouldnt amaze anyone. Now the rangers on the other hand. coming into the season this was their worst team on paper for years, combine that with 0 playoff shots in 7 years. NO ONE had the rangers making the playoffs let alone first in their division. Even ranger fans were prepared for another tough year, possibly our worst in many years.

I agree. The Sharks are pretty much the same team that went to the Western Conference Finals in 03-04 plus Thornton. Joe will have to settle for a Conn Smythe trophy.

 

[BigBarracuda]

I should probably read that article, but if Staal is nominated, how couldn't he be a major contender?

The Canes went from close to bottom to close to top, his personal performance points and leadership-wise abilities have increased exponentially, and he played most of the season with a very talent-challenged roster.

Yeah, I'm biased, but really, why wouldn't Staal be a top contender?

 

[wingnut888]

I think Niedermayer is deserving of consideration for the Hart - but because Jagr, Thornton, Kibber, Staal are also deserving, Neids will end up winning the Norris.

There's no way Nick Lidstrom doesn't win the Norris this year. Best team in the west and Nick's having his best season. Ducks are still fighting for a playoff spot! I'd take Chara over Niedermeyer as #2 on this list also.

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

Cup champs with Vernon haha.

Jagr MVP
Rookie AO but not as lop sided as once belived
Vezina Kipper
Coach Sutter
Norris Lidstrom
Person Kipper
Selke Draper
Lady Byng (spelling?) Sakic

Not entirely. Even a mediocre season from Jags would have allowed the Rangers to contend in the east. Without Kipper, Calgary's lookin' a lot like they did with Vernon in net and certainly nowhere near a playoff contender.

 

[wingnut888]

Cup champs with Vernon haha.

Jagr MVP
Rookie AO but not as lop sided as once belived
Vezina Kipper
Coach Sutter
Norris Lidstrom
Person Kipper
Selke Draper
Lady Byng (spelling?) Sakic

Hmm, didn't think about coach of the year..I'd give it to Laviolette (SP?) with Carolina!