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2013 NHL Predictions
It is that time of year again. The time when hockey fans make predictions that probably will not be correct, but we do it anyway because it’s fun. For the 2013 campaign I decided to bring in two hardcore hockey fans from different websites. One covers video games and entertainment while the other follows the greatest sport in the world. Please give a warm welcome to the predictions of Rudy Colon from Kona’s Korner and Rob McMahon, formally a writer for Sunshine State Hockey, who is now with Penalty Box Radio.
Two out of the three of us seem to agree on each category, and surprisingly we all share the same views on three divisions: the Northeast, Southeast, and Pacific. Since we cover the Florida Panthers here at Sunshine State Hockey it is important to focus on the Southeast division for a moment. The reason all three of us are in agreement on our prediction is because the Hurricanes just looks so good on paper. Carolina went out and acquired Jordan Staal to add scoring depth at the center position, not to mention the fact that he should have some decent chemistry with his brother Eric. Add them with the likes of Alex Semin, who is still a legit scoring threat, a maturing Jeff Skinner, an emerging number one defenseman in Justin Faulk, and Stanley Cup/Conn Smythe winning goaltender Cam Ward and it is clear why all three of us chose Carolina to win the Southeast.
Will our predictions hold true or are they doomed to fail? Only time will tell. Until then, let’s just enjoy the fact that we finally have NHL hockey back.
And The Winner is…
Every season after the team awards are won the National Hockey League hands out the individual trophies. The different hardware that will be given out tonight represents such categories as best rookie, best goalie, and league MVP. Usually a case can be made for all the players nominated but the fact of the matter is that there can be only one winner for each award. After taking some time to look at the finalists we here at Sunshine State Hockey are ready to present our predictions on who will win at tonight’s award ceremony as well as who the cover boy will be for EA Sports next hockey title, NHL 12.
Mark Messier Leadership Award – Awarded to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season.
Nominees:
Zdeno Chara – D
Boston Bruins
Shane Doan – RW
Phoenix Coyotes
Nicklas Lidstrom – D
Detroit Red Wings
SSH’s Winner: Nicklas Lidstrom
Ted Lindsay Award – Awarded to the most “outstanding” player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA.
Nominees:
Corey Perry – RW
Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin – LW
Vancouver Canucks
Steven Stamkos – C
Tampa Bay Lightning
SSH’s Winner: Daniel Sedin
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy – Awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Nominees:
Ray Emery – G
Anaheim Ducks
Daymond Langkow – C
Calgary Flames
Ian Laperriere – RW
Philadelphia Flyers
SSH’s Winner: Ray Emery
Jack Adams Award – Awarded to the NHL coach judged to have contributed the most to his team’s success.
Nominees:
Dan Bylsma
Pittsburgh Penguins
Barry Trotz
Nashville Predators
Alain Vigneault
Vancouver Canucks
SSH’s Winner: Barry Trotz
Frank J. Selke Trophy – Awarded to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
Nominees:
Pavel Datsyuk – C
Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Kesler – C
Vancouver Canucks
Jonathan Toews – C
Chicago Blackhawks
SSH’s Winner: Pavel Datsyuk
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy – Awarded to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
Nominees:
Loui Eriksson – LW
Dallas Stars
Nicklas Lidstrom – D
Detroit Red Wings
Martin St. Louis – RW
Tampa Bay Lightning
SSH’s Winner: Martin St. Louis
Calder Memorial Trophy – Awarded to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the NHL.
Nominees:
Logan Couture – C
San Jose Sharks
Michael Grabner – RW
New York Islanders
Jeff Skinner – C
Carolina Hurricanes
SSH’s Winner: Michael Grabner
James Norris Memorial Trophy – Awarded to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.
Nominees:
Zdeno Chara – D
Boston Bruins
Nicklas Lidstrom – D
Detroit Red Wings
Shea Weber – D
Nashville Predators
SSH’s Winner: Zdeno Chara
Vezina Trophy – Awarded to the goalkeeper judged to be the best at this position.
Nominees:
Roberto Luongo – G
Vancouver Canucks
Pekka Rinne – G
Nashville Predators
Tim Thomas – G
Boston Bruins
SSH’s Winner: Tim Thomas
Hart Memorial Trophy – Awarded to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team.
Nominees:
Corey Perry – RW
Anaheim Ducks
Daniel Sedin – LW
Vancouver Canucks
Martin St. Louis – RW
Tampa Bay Lightning
SSH’s Winner: Corey Perry
Only time will tell if our choices for the award winners are correct. Tune in to Versus at 7 PM EST tonight to watch the annual National Hockey League award show from Las Vegas to see who will win such awards as the Calder Memorial Trophy, James Norris Memorial Trophy, and the Jack Adams Award.
Before ending this post we have one last matter to attend to, the cover boy of EA Sports latest edition to their hockey franchise, NHL 12. The past two years have seen Chicago Blackhawks players Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews grace the cover of the only hockey video game on the market. We here at Sunshine State Hockey believe that EA Sports will stay in the Western conference with their selection, picking Hart Memorial Trophy nominee Corey Perry.
Will SSH be correct with our picks? Watch the NHL Award show tonight to find out!
