We're at the very unofficial half-way point of the season and things couldn't be going better for the Calgary Flames.
They rank 2nd in the NHL in wins, points, goals for, goal differential, and have five players(!) averaging better than a point per game.
Almost all of their top dogs are having above-average-to-elite seasons, which is why it's hardly a surprise to see Flames littered as winners and finalists on the midseason awards ballots filled out by members of the PHWA.
Here's a complete rundown:
Hart Trophy - to the player adjudged to be most valuable to his team.1. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning 2. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames 3. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Norris Trophy - to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in the position.
1. Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames 2. Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs 3. Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks
Lady Byng Trophy - to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
1. Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers 2. Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs 3. Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames
Jack Adams Award - to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success.
1. Barry Trotz, New York Islanders 2. Bill Peters, Calgary Flames 3. Jon Cooper, Tampa Bay Lightning
Rod Langway Award - to the defenseman who best excels in the defensive aspect of the game.
1. Mattias Ekholm, Nashville Predators 2. Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames 3. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
It's certainly no surprise Gaudreau finds himself in serious contention for the Hart. As mentioned previously, the Flames sit 2nd in the NHL and Gaudreau leads the team in goals, assists, points, shots, and is a difference maker every night. He's the straw that stirs the drink.
I'm not sure I expected Giordano to be leading the Norris race, however, I certainly agree with it (he was my pick for Norris in a recent hotstove). He is averaging more than a point per game, driving possession, and providing elite defensive play while playing a ton of minutes against top competition on a nightly basis.
Monahan averages one minor every 10 games and plays upwards of 20 minutes a night so it's hard to argue he doesn't belong in the race for the Lady Byng. The guy lives around the opposing net and often times takes a beating in the process. Staying as disciplined as he does in those circumstances is difficult to do. I think the PHWA is right to have Sasha Barkov leading the charge, though. Taking just one penalty in 48 games while playing a shutdown role where you're always glued to opponents is unheard of.
The Jack Adams is a toss up for me. Barry Trotz has a New York Islanders team nobody expected anything from leading the Metro. Bill Peters has a Flames team that missed the playoffs last year leading the Western Conference while Jon Cooper has the Lightning steam rolling through everyone. I think Claude Julien has a good case, too. You could put the order any which way and it's hard to get too up in arms about it.
Last, but not least, we have Giordano sitting 2nd in voting for the best defensive defenseman. I'd personally have him ahead of Mattias Ekholm, however, they're neck-and-neck in most key defensive metrics (shot, goal, and expected goal suppression) so it's hardly egregious to have Ekholm ahead.
What do you think of the PHWA's choices for the mid-season awards? Are there any that stand out to you for one reason or another?
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