Giving Out the NHL Midseason Lester Awards

We’re halfway through the hockey season. It’s time to hand out some mid-season awards.  We’ll start off with the traditional awards.

Hart Memorial Trophy:  Marc Savard

The Bruins have been amazing this season and Savard is a big reason why.  As of January 13th he’s tied for fourth in scoring with 52 points (14 goals, 38 assists) and has a +29 rating.  Evgeni Malkin is having the best statistical season, but his Penguins are in fourth place in the Atlantic.

Veniza Trophy:  Niklas Backstrom

The Wild trail only Ottawa for least goals scored, yet are tied with Boston for fewest goals allowed.  Without Backstrom, the Wild would likely be the worst team in the league.  He’s among the league leaders in Goals Allowed Average, Save Percentage, Wins, and Shutouts.

Calder Memorial Trophy:  Steve Mason

Mason has been amazing in his rookie season leading the league in GAA and Save Percentage.  No other rookie is as statistically dominant.

Art Ross Trophy:  Evgeni Malkin

Malkin is nine points ahead of second-leading point scorer, teammate Sidney Crosby.  In fact, he nearly has as many assists (49) as Crosby has points (57).

NHL Plus-Minus Award:  Marc Savard

The top four plus/minus rankings belong to Bruins, but Savard is the Head of the Class at +29.

Maurice “Rocker” Richard Trophy:  Jeff Carter

Carter will probably have trouble holding on to this trophy as Ovechkin is a machine, but as of now it’s Carter’s to lose.

OK, now it’s time to have some fun.

Biggest Whiffer:  Alexander Ovechkin

Sure, he’s second with 27 goals, but he’s missed more shots (245) than anyone else has attempted.  He makes the Verizon Center feel like a wind tunnel.

King of the Principal’s Office:  Shane O’Brien

O’Brien has spent more time in the Penalty Box (126) than anyone else in the league.

Mr. Independent:  Simon Gagne

Gagne’s eight Short-handed points are the most in the league.

Mr. Disappointment:  Marian Gaborik

Mr. Softie has played a whopping six games this year, and he likely won’t return from his hip surgery.

Mr. Surprise:  David Krejci

After scoring 27 points in 56 games last year, Krejci has 48 through 43 games.  His +/- went from -3 to +26.

Nine out of 10 Dentists Approve:  Jarkko Ruutu

In an attempt to shed the stereotype that hockey players are toothless, Jarkko used his to bite Andrew Peters.  An apple a day keeps the Goons away.

Sloppy Seconds Award:  Dion Phaneuf

Jarrett Stoll made a run at the award for dating Rachel Hunter, but Phaneuf takes the prize for dating Sean Avery’s ex Elisha Cuthbert.