You can catch the NHL Awards show, live from Toronto, tonight on Versus at 7PM. For the first time in years, Washington Capitals fans have a reason, in fact, several reason to tune in and watch.
First, Alexander Ovechkin is poised to collect yet another award for his outstanding 2007/08 season. Ovie has already collected the Maurice Richard Trophy (NHL’s leading goal scorer), and the Art Ross Trophy (NHL’s leading scorer). Earlier this week, Ovechkin snagged his third straight Kharlamov Trophy, an annual Russian Award given to the best Russian player int her NHL. BUT, none is mightier, none is more meaningful, none is more prestigious than the one that Ovechkin may walk home with tonight, the Hart Memorial Trophy, given to the overall NHL MVP of the Year. After leading the league in goals scored, total points, and helping to lift the Capitals to an improbable playoff berth, Ovechkin enters the Awards Show tonight the favorite. Ovie himself is excited.
“Of course I’m nervous,” Ovechkin told NHL.com in his charismatic, but flawed, English following the May 28 luncheon in Pittsburgh. “I’m getting older and I’m getting more experience, but I’m still nervous and sweating a little … Of course I want to win,” Ovechkin said. “I want to win everything. I want to win team Cups, individual Cups. I think all players want it. I want it, too.”
DCPSR Prediction: Who should Win? Alexander Ovechkin. Who will win? Alexander Ovechkin wins the Hart Memorial Trophy.
Ovie is not the only show for Capitals fans tonight. After an unbelievable season, the Capitals have a nominee for each of the three main NHL Awards. Second up, 20 year old Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom is in direct competition for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL Rookie of the Year. Backstrom will have to get through Chicago’s Patrick Kane and Johnathan Toews to claim the Rookie of the Year. Backstrom finished second among rookies in assists and overall total points. Backstrom was also impressive in the playoff series with Philadelphia, tallying 4 goals and 2 assists.
DCPSR Prediction: Who should win? Patrick Kane. Who will win? Chicago’s Patrick Kane wins the Rookie of the Year award
Finally, Bruce Boudreau has been nominated for the Jack Adams Award, the NHL Coach of the Year. And why shouldn’t he. Boudreau took over a struggling Washington Capitals team, the day after Thanksgiving, wallowing in last place overall at 6-14-1. Boudreau’s job — get back to respectability. BUT, Boudreau did more. It was not until the playoff series against Philadelphia did Boudreau run Capitals actually lose back to back games. Even more impressive, Boudreau led the Capitals to back into the playoff hunt, and for the first time in NHL history, a team in last place in the Eastern Conference at Thanksgiving, went on to not only grab a playoff berth, never done before, but capture the Southeast Division Championship. Boudreau faces off with Detroit Red Wings HC Mike Babcock, who led his team tot he Stanley Cup Championship, and Guy Carbonneau from Montreal.
DCPSR Prediction: Who should win? Capitals HC Bruce Boudreau. Who will win? Detroit’s Mike Babcock.
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