NHL Pre-Season Picks and Award Winners
I meant to have this out before the season began, but one day in will not affect my picks, as they were already made two weeks ago, so let’s get to it…..and the winners are?
Hart Trophy – Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay
Lead gun on a team full of talent, just missing a June parade for Nikita & Crew
Norris Trophy – Roman Josi, Nashville
On a team that breeds stud defensemen, Josi is next for the Norris.
Calder Trophy – Quinn Hughes, Vancouver
Cale Makar will get all the love, but look West and see another power play point man, Go Blue!
Vezina Trophy – Sergei Bobrovsky. Florida
Coach Q needs to tighten the defensive reigns for this to come to fruition, and that's a lot of tightening!
Art Ross Trophy – Mitchell Marner, Toronto
Many out there can score, but Marner was born too, first of many Art Ross Trophy’s for Mitchell.
Rocket Richard – Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton
Already potted one last night, one of many for my man Leon, and even on different lines than McDavid last night.
Selke Trophy – Aleksander Barkov, Florida
All part of the new work order in Miami, tightening the defense, and Sasha will score the shorty’s and lead Florida.
Jennings Trophy – Nashville Predators (Pekka Rinne & Jussi Saros)
Rinne’s time may be coming to an end, and Saros will take over, but these two are tighter than bark on a tree, with a killer defense in front of them.
Jack Adams Trophy – Joel Quenville, Florida
Needs to tighten the defense, as stated in my Vezina pick, with plenty of firepower in Miami too.
Division Winners: (Playoff teams in bold italics)
Atlantic: Tampa Bay, Toronto, Florida, Boston, Montreal, Buffalo, Detroit, Ottawa
Metropolitan: Washington, Philadelphia, N.Y. Rangers, Carolina, Pittsburgh, N.Y.Islanders, Columbus, New Jersey
Central: Nashville, Winnipeg, Colorado, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Minnesota
Pacific: Calgary, Vegas, San Jose, Edmonton, Arizona, Anaheim, Vancouver, Los Angeles
Eastern Conference Final: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Western Conference Final: Nashville Predators vs. Vegas Golden Nights
Stanley Cup Final: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators
Stanley Cup Champions: Tampa Bay Lightning
