Quote:
Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm
Adams Toss up between Joe Sacco and Dave Tippett. Other guys like Bylsma, Ruff, Boudreau having great years, but they were expected to. Colorado picked dead last in the West prior to the season, and Phoenix picked to finish in Winnipeg or Hamilton. Honorable Mention to Scott Gordon.
Vezina Ryan Miller. Maybe Brodeur challenges.
Hart I'll get crap for this, but going for most valuable to his team, Ryan Miller again. Caps without Ovy still top 4-6 in the East. Pens without one of Crosby or Malkin, still a playoff team. Canucks without a Sedin, still a good team, even in the tough West. San Jose without Thornton, Marleau. Chicago without one of Huet/Keith/one of like 10 forwards, same. Buffalo without Miller probably somewhere between 10-12 in the East.
Calder I figure it's Tavares' to lose. Duchene, Hedman, Del Zotto, some other guys putting up points, but Tavares has the recognition factor and most likely ends up scoring the most points too.
The two I am having the toughest time with:
Selke Because it's never really been a defensive award, I have no idea. Mike Richards, Ryan Kesler, probably still Pavel Datsyuk all have a shot I guess. I'll throw out a homer pick of Jordan Staal who is playing a shutdown role still and scoring some too.
Norris Really, no idea. Lidstrom having an off year, by his standards. Same for Chara. Dan Boyle is the main guy in SJ I guess, but isn't really matched again top lines. Same for Green in Washinton. None of the 3 guys in Calgary is having a great season. Gonchar, Pronger...meh. Doughty, Weber? Not yet. So, by default going with Duncan Keith.
oh and...
Lady Byng Sean Avery.
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Sabres homer here...but I think Ruff deserves serious consideration for the Adams. I don't think anyone expected the Sabres to be where they are now. Maybe 7th-10th in the standings.
Miller has been a huge part to this. However, the team is certainly better in front this year. We don't have that go-to scorer (though Vanek is starting to turn it on), but the goals are being spread all around. You have to give Myers a big (no pun intended) mention for the Calder. Of course, he won't have the points total of the guys you mentioned. Hell, I think he could even contend for the Norris with it being a rather down year.
Agree on most of your choices.