Hockey Fri Apr 19 2013

Blackhawks' Postseason Award Winners

By Evan F. Moore

Since the Chicago Blackhawks' record-setting regular season is coming to an end soon, it's time to take a look at some predictions of the National Hockey League individual awards. The playoffs are coming up soon and due to the type of season the team has had thus far, the NHL awards night will be another feather in the cap of the league's best team. The Madison Street Hockey Club has several players and a coach that has a realistic possibility of winning the following awards.

Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player: Sidney Crosby
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane have had stellar seasons. The two have hovered around the NHL's leaders in points, goals and assists. Unfortunately, they might split votes when it comes down to it. Sidney Crosby appears to be the front runner in the MVP award despite missing a chunk of the season. The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a standout season in their own right. A prolonged win streak along with being the number one team in the Eastern Conference might be the difference for Sid the Kid.

Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goaltender: Sergei Bobrovsky
There is no doubt that the Blackhawks owe a big part of their success this season to the exemplary goaltending they have gotten from Corey Crawford and Ray Emery. Both goalies have carried the team when the offense couldn't get going. Like the voting for the Hart trophy, votes will be split. That will lead to Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky being named the league's best. Bobrovsky has been a key cog to his team's success this season. If things stand pat, The Blackhawks will see a lot more of him in the playoffs.

Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's most outstanding rookie player: Brandon Saad
Brandon Saad is the hands down winner in this category. The "Man Child" has been huge for the Blackhawks this season. Saad has played well above his years while playing on the top line with Toews and Marian Hossa.

James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position: P.K. Subban
As well as the defense has played this season, none of the Blackhawks blue liners are in the running for this award. Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban has leads all at the position in points and goals.

Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game: Jonathan Toews
If Toews comes up short in the MVP race, this is his best bet to go home with some hardware. He's one of the league's best in the faceoff department. Also, he is one the best two-way forwards in the game. The fact that he is up for two individual awards shows the type of player he is.

Jack Adams Award, awarded annually to the National Hockey League coach "adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success": Joel Quenneville
This is a no-brainer. The Blackhawks have won games in every single way this season. Coaching obviously is involved in the equation. Everything the team has done this season should be credited to the man who put the player in situations to succeed. Adding an extra defenseman for the Detroit game was a stroke of genius. Coach Quenneville has done just that and more. The vote should be unanimous.