Some NHL Awards Finalists Announced

In recent weeks, the NHL has announced the nominees for several of the awards given out at the NHL Awards such as best defenseman, best defensive forward, rookie of the year, and best goaltender.


The nominees and our picks, after the jump.





Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman)

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

Ducks2Nucks pick: Lidstrom is always a safe bet, but Chara has better defensive numbers this year. Shea Weber is a bit of a wild card as he is more of an offensive defenseman than the other two, but if the Preds make a deep push into the playoffs, expect his chance of winning this award to spike.
Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)

Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Ducks2Nucks pick: As far as we're concerned Kesler has the best shot at winning this award. Datsyuk is usually a ringer for this trophy, but since his season was shortened by injury his chances are much lower. Towes had a good defensive season, but not as good of an offensive season, and this award is all about being the best two way player so we have to bet on Kesler

Vezina Trophy (Best Goalie)

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

Ducks2Nucks pick: The Vezina is always hard to pick, but if I had to bet on one goalie this year it'd be Boston's Tim Thomas. Thomas carried his team on many occasions even though he wasn't even supposed to be their number one goaltender this season. Rinne did manage to put up stunning career numbers, and Luongo is always solid, but Thomas really out-preformed himself this season.

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)

Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks
Michael Grabner, New York Islanders
Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes

Ducks2Nucks pick: Evan and I disagreed on this one. Evan's pick was Michael Grabner. Grabner led the Islanders in goals this season and put up an impressive 34 goals. What Grabner had in goals however he lacks in assists with only 18 on the year. My pick was the Hurricane's Jeff Skinner. Skinner led all rookies in points with a stunning 63, comprised of 31 goals and 32 assists. Skinner is also the youngest player in the entire NHL. Though he posted better numbers than Grabner, Skinner did have the help of a better team. As for Logan Couture... great job this season, but sorry.


Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (Outstanding Skill/Sportsmanship)

Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

Ducks2Nucks pick: St.Loius will probably win it. He gets nominated for this trophy every year. Nobody even cares about this award really.