A Carolina Hurricanes blog with occasional news about the rest of the NHL.

Sunday, January 08, 2006

The Cane-centric midseason awards.


Carolina played their 41st game on Saturday night, which means I can officially give the midseason, Cane-specific awards. Without too much fanfare, they are as such:

  • Canes Rocket Richard: Eric Staal. 26 goals.
  • Canes Art Ross: Eric Staal. 52 points.
  • Canes Vezina: Martin Gerber. 20-7-2 2.70 GAA, .911 SV%, 3 shutouts, 2 assists.


  • Obviously, those are the easiest to give since they're purely based on stats.
    Here's the rest:

  • Canes Selke: Rod Brind'Amour. This a no-brainer. He should win this award when the NHL hands out honors. He's second in the league among forwards in blocked shots. Way in front in the league in faceoff wins. Way in front in the league in ice time/game at 24:18. He's also been a monster on special teams.
  • Canes Norris: This is a tough one. My gut instinct is to say AWard. He's been a solid, solid guy night in and night out. I gave consideration to Frank Kaberle for his offensive upside and his make-no-mistakes brand of play. While Kaberle has much more of an offensive side, AWard has much better defensive stats (hits, takeaways, blocked shots). I've gotta give it to AWard.
  • Canes Lady Byng: Kevyn Adams. He doesn't take a lot of penalties, and you won't find him in fisticuffs.
  • Canes Calder: It's hard not to say Cam Ward, but I have to go with Andrew Ladd. He's on the IR now, but in seven games played, he totalled four goals, including two on the power play and has logged just over 13 minutes per game played. Ward has been great, but his playing time has been limited, and has shown signs of streakiness.

  • Canes Hart: Rod Brind'Amour. It's hard not to give it to Staal on this, as he has shown the ability to take a game into his own hands and carry the team. However, Roddy's been a beast in his ice time, faceoffs, power play goals, game winners, and his defensive prowess. Added to that, he's the floor general, and he's done a damn fine job.
  • 2 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    Since around '81 or so, the Vezina has been given to the "best" goaltender, not necessarily the goalie with the best stats.

    That'd be the Jennings, doncha know.

    Not that yer result would vary much, but I feel like nitpicking.

    - Smith.

    Anonymous said...

    Love AWard and back your call on the Norris. I'd take Cam over Ladd for flashes of brilliance and longevity to date. The others are easier picks. Let's if the OLN boys are more fair and balanced in their glow for the 'Canes than John Saunders (damn Leaf homer) was during the cup run. I just hope Pete's boys show up tonight and don't pull a New York Giants.
    R,Scott

    disclaimer

    Red And Black Hockey is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Club, the National Hockey League or any of its other member clubs. The opinions expressed herein are entirely those of RBH. Any comments made are the opinion of the commenter, and not necessarily that of RBH.
    Whenever possible, RBH uses its own photography. Any incidental use of copyrighted material including photography, logos or other brand markings will not interfere with the owner's profits.