2013 NHL Picks and Predictions – Mid-Season Awards Favorites: It’s a little hard to believe that the NHL is already approaching the halfway point to its 2013 season, but with the lockout reducing the season to just 48 teams, the season goes by quick. There have certainly been some surprises thus far, including the Chicago Blackhawks setting an NHL record by scoring at least one point in their first 19 games of the season. Chicago isn’t the only team off to a fast start as the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks are both exceeding expectations. Meanwhile, preseason favorites New York and Philadelphia are struggling just to get into playoff contention. There have been some surprises as far as individual performances are concerned, as well, and it’s time to hand out some mid-season hardware to those players that have been the best of the best thus far in 2013.
Hart Trophy: Sidney Crosby, Center, Pittsburgh Penguins
Buffalo’s Thomas Vanek and Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos have both been tallying points at a torrid pace, but with his concussion issues behind him for now, Crosby has been shining in the shortened year. He leads the NHL with 21 assists and is tied for the lead in total points with 30. He has been the driving force of a Pittsburgh offense that ranks second in the NHL in goals scored. More importantly, the Penguins are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 26 points
Vezina Trophy: Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators
As I mentioned in the intro, Ottawa lost its best defender in Karlsson. However, the Senators are also missing offensive weapons Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek and have scored the eighth-fewest goals in the NHL. Amid the rash of injuries, Anderson has kept Ottawa in the playoff hunt almost by himself, and he currently ranks first in both save percentage (.952) and goals against average (1.49). If he keeps up his current pace, Anderson is a lock for the Vezina and possibly the Hart Trophy, as well.
Norris Trophy: Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens
Last season, the Canadiens finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. This year, they are sitting on top with 29 points. The main difference between this year and last is the return of Markov from injury. The veteran has been solid on both ends of the ice and has helped Montreal hold opponents to the fifth-fewest goals this year. He also has five goals, including three game winners, and seven assists. With Karlsson out, Markov’s all-around game has him heading the raced for the Norris Trophy.
Calder Trophy: Cory Conacher. Center, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning lead the league in goals, and the rookie center has been contributing on a consistent basis. Conacher is currently second among rookies with seven goals, and he leads all rookies with 11 assists. His 18 total points are also five more than the next closest rookie. Throw in his two game-winning goals, and Conacher is well on his was to being named the top rookie.
Jack Adams Award: Bruce Boudreau
I know the Blackhawks have yet to lose a game in regulation, but Chicago was a playoff team a year ago and was expected to be even better in 2013. Anaheim on the other hand had the third-worst record in the Western Conference last season and finished in the cellar of the Pacific Division. Well, those same Ducks are leading the Pacific this year and have the second-most points in the league. Anaheim’s players are buying what Boudreau is selling, and he deserves a lot of credit for the Ducks’ 14-3-1 start.
Rocket Richard Trophy: Steven Stamkos, Center, Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay’s offensive juggernaut is at it again. Stamkos currently leads the league with 14 goals, and he is well on his way to leading the NHL in the category yet again. Stamkos has led the league in goals in two of the last three seasons and finished second in the year he didn’t bring home the Rocket Richard Trophy. With the Lightning leading the NHL in scoring and needing every goal they can get to mask some terrible goaltending, Stamkos will be firing shots early and often the rest of the way. No one lights the lamp as well as Stamkos these days.
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