The NHL hosts its annual awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Wednesday before everyone heads to Los Angeles for the draft. Insert your own “The Hangover” joke here. Once again, Caps players are up for major awards — Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green and Jose Theodore. Let’s handicap their chances:
Hart Trophy
Alex Ovechkin has won two straight years. A third is a challenge. Vancouver’s Henrik Sedin finished with the most points (112). Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby shattered his career high for goals (51). Ovechkin (50 goals, 59 assists) missed 10 games, but four due to suspensions. He’s also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award as the players’ MVP choice.
Verdict » Voters love change. Sedin wins.
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Norris Trophy
Mike Green‘s nomination set off a firestorm — showing again that critics don’t actually watch games. He was excellent down the stretch defensively, has no peer as an offensive defenseman — part of the game last time we checked — and no, you can’t hold his poor playoff performances against him. Green also is up for the NHL Foundation Award for charity work.
Verdict » That said, both Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty were brilliant. Keith wins in a close vote.
Masterton Trophy
The award goes to the NHL player who overcame the most adversity and also had a strong season. Caps goalie Jose Theodore excelled despite the death of his two-month-old son in August.
Verdict » We would be shocked if Theodore wasn’t recognized for his perseverance in the face of tragedy.
