Anaheim’s Corey Perry was the big winner at the NHL Awards Wednesday night from Las Vegas as he took home the Hart Memorial Trophy recognizing the leagues most valuable player. He beat out Tampa Bay’s Martin St. Louis and Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin for the honor. Perry who was a huge factor in the Ducks’ run to the playoffs finished the regular season with 50 goals and 48 assists.
Here are Wednesday night’s other big winners…
James Norris Memorial Trophy (NHL’s top defenseman) – Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Lidstrom picked up his 7th Norris Trophy beating out Boston’s Zdeno Chara and Nashville’s Shea Weber. Lidstrom now trails Bobby Orr in total Norris Trophies 8-7 after finishing the regular season with 62 points this season. He also finished second among defensemen in scoring.
Frank J. Selke Trophy (Best defensive forward) – Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler ended up taking home the Selke trophy recognizing the leagues best defensive forward beating out Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk and Chicago’s Jonathan Toews.
“I don’t think you ever set a goal to win the award, but I do pride myself on defencesive side of the game,” said Kesler. “It’s nice to get acknowledged. I guess all those years my dad was yelling ‘backcheck’ at me finally paid off.”
Vezina Trophy ( NHL’s best goaltender) – Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
After winning the Conn Smythe and the Stanley Cup, Boston’s Tim Thomas was recognized tonight for being the leagues best goaltender. He beat out the likes of Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo and Nashville’s Pekka Rinne.
According to Sportsnet.ca, Thomas set an NHL record for save percentage when he finished at .938, surpassing Dominik Hasek’s .937 set in the 1998-89 season. He also had a league-low 2.00 goals-against average and nine shutouts.
Calder Memorial Trophy (Top Rookie) – Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina’s Jeff Skinner ended up winning the Calder Trophy recognizing the leagues best rookie. He beat out the likes of San Jose’s Logan Couture and Michael Grabner of the New York Islanders.
Skinner led all rookies in scoring with 63 points during a season where he was selected to the all-star team. And oh yeah, he only turned 19 last month.
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (NHL’s most gentlemanly player) – Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning
Martin St. Louis won his second straight Lady Byng Trophy after being assessed only 12 penalty minutes all season. He beat out Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom and Loui Eriksson of the Dallas Stars.
Ted Lindsay Award (MVP by peers) – Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin was awarded the Ted Lindsay award which recognizes the MVP of the league that is voted on by his peers. He edged out Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry of Anaheim and Steven Stamkos of Tampa Bay.
Daniel Sedin led the league in scoring with 104 points.
Williams Jennings Trophy (fewest goals against in the regular season) – Roberto Luongo, Corey Schneider, Vancouver Canucks
Even though they couldn’t get the job done in the finals, Vancouver goaltending duo Roberto Luongo and Corey Schneider ended up taking home the William Jennings Trophy after they led the league with the fewest goals against.
Jack Adams Award (NHL’s top coach) – Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh Penguins
Dan Bylsma was awarded the Jack Adam’s award tonight which recognizes the top coach in the NHL. He beat out the likes of Nashville’s Barry Trotz and Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault.
Bylsma certainly had his hands full this past season having to juggle lineups and keep the Penguins competitive after the loss of Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Source: Sportsnet.ca
