Rangers Analysis: Presenting Your 2009-2010 Ranger NHL Award-Winners
The Hockey Managers here at SBNation were asked to compile a list of NHL Award winners for their respective teams. Although this was far from an award-winning campaign for the Rangers, there were some performances that deserve recognition.
So without further ado, or in the Rangers case, "a-don't", Blueshirt Banter presents the Rangers award winners for the 2009-10 season:
The Hart Memorial Trophy (given to the player judged most valuable to his team): Henrik Lundqvist. You could make a valid argument for Marian Gaborik as well, but night after night it is Hank that keeps the Rangers in the game.
James Norris Memorial Trophy (given to the top defensive player who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at his position): Marc Staal. Staal had a career year offensively, and is well on his way to becoming one of the top shutdown d-men in the game.
More award-winners after the break........
Frank J. Selke Trophy (awarded annually to the National Hockey League forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game): Chris Drury. We've all been tough on Drury for a variety of reasons, but he was definitely the Rangers best defensive forward all year long.
Vezina Trophy (given to the goalkeeper judged to be the best at this position): Henrik Lundqvist. Steve Valiquette did play enough games to qualify, so I guess I'll give this to Lundqvist.
Calder Memorial Trophy (given to the player judged to be the most proficient in his first year of compeition in the NHL): Artem Anisimov. This was the only tough decision of the bunch. I don't think there was a wrong pick between Artie or Michael Del Zotto, but I gave the nudge to Anisimov for doing more with limited ice time, being bounced all over the lineup, and for anchoring the Rangers best offensive line during the late season run. Anisimov is my winner.
Coming soon, the "Award Not-So-Winners"
