The All Star Game is approaching, so it’s about time I went through my very own Midseason Awards. These aren’t your every day, run of the mill, regular awards though; these are my unique awards. Let’s just say you won’t be finding any Vezina’s or Calder’s in here.
So without further ado, here they are:
The “Spotlight Stealer” Award: Eric Fehr, Washington Capitals. In a game that was supposed to showcase the NHL’s two biggest stars, this scrappy winger stole the show with two big goals, including a breakaway snipe to ice the game for the Caps.
The “Thank God Someone Put Sean Avery in His Place” Award: James Wisniewski, Montreal Canadiens. Wisniewski’s “gesture”, although crude, was one of the funnier moments this NHL season. The then Islander really put Avery in his place, and I think I speak for all of hockey when I say: Thank You James.
The “Comeback Story that’s Already Forgotten” Award: Ondrej Pavelec, Atlanta Thrashers. In his first game of the season, Pavelec collapsed in the middle of the ice. Even on replay, this was one of the scariest things I’ve ever watched in sports. For him to even come back and play is amazing; leading the perennially struggling Thrashers to a winning record while posting a .923 save percentage is almost miraculous.
The “Damn it I Should Have Picked That Guy in Fantasy Hockey” Award: Dustin Byfuglien, Atlanta Thrashers. The big boy with the crazy last name has put up the highest point totals among defenseman in the NHL, owns a plus 7 rating, and has scored six game winners. And you thought he couldn’t play defence.
The “Peewee Hockey Tandem” Award: Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe, Buffalo Sabres. I’d love for you to try to find me a pair of teammates who are smaller than these two. Ennis is listed at an extremely generous 5’9, while Gerbe is 5’5. Have you ever seen Mighty Ducks 2, where the 15 year old Ducks play an Iceland team full of players that look like they could be at least 25 years old? That’s what it’s like watching Ennis and Gerbe.
The “Healthy Scratch” Award: Paul Bissonette, Phoenix Coyotes. He’s only played 24 games this year, but he’s got to be one of the NHL’s leaders in entertainment value. Funniest twitter in the NHL, by a land slide.
The “No Style” Award: Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins. He looks like he could be playing in a beer league in Saskatoon, but you know what, he stops pucks. Enough pucks, in fact, that he’s leading the league in all three major goalie categories.
The “Chris Chelios, I can’t believe he’s still playing” Award: Mark Recchi, Boston Bruins. After finally hanging them up and relinquishing his title, this award was immediately named after Grandpa Chelly. Anyways, wasn’t Mark Recchi on the verge of retiring like five years ago? I swear I thought he was already coaching some minor league team. Apparently he’s still in the NHL, and putting up points too.
Ugliest Goal: Cal Clutterbuck shoots one off a defenseman’s leg, off the end boards, and off the back of the goalie’s legs for a power play marker. It’s got to be one of the ugliest goals of all time. Seriously, have a look for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q-lSc6UWGg
Best “in your face” Goal: Bobby Ryan gets his stick knocked out of his hands by Mikko Koivu. Later in the shift, Koivu loses his own stick; Ryan picks it up, and scores with it. Oh by the way, Ryan’s a righty, Koivu’s a lefty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmi8CR2sxXA
So there you have it everyone, my Midseason Awards; bet you won’t find anything like this on NHL.com
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