Not Running With The Devils: Part Two (Somehow)

So, uh, that went well.

Ok, maybe waiting to see if ANYTHING would immediately happen after Kovalchuk went back on the market was a mistake. Other than the NHL "investigating" other long-term CBA-and-cap-bending contracts, there hasn't been much activity surrounding Kovalchuk. Actually, outside this, Kaberle staying in Toronto (who didn't see that coming?), and Comrie being one lucky bastard getting married, August is dead month for hockey.

So training camp can not start soon.

(Not?) Running With The Devils....Part One(?)

After nearly a month that included (deep breathe):

• Becoming a free agent
• Being on-off-on-off with the Kings
• Asking too much to become an Islander
• Signing a ridiculous contract to go back to New Jersey
• Having the NHL reject the contract
• Having the NHLPA file a grievance
• Going to arbitration

The Ilya Kovalchuk sega is still on-going, with the possiblity that it will finally end next week. Once that is all sorted out with, it might be the last chance for TSN to pull what its American knock off ESPN did for some guy in the NBA.

The only problem would be who get to interview/undress Kovalchuk with their eyes: Duthie or McGuire?

2010 NHL Award Results/Pre-Draft Thoughts

Awards

I wasn't able to catch the awards Wednesday night (I did try to catch the first bit on CBC Ottawa since it showed it earlier but it's reception was as bad as Jay Mohr's act.* HEYO!). So here are the results:

Hart - Henrik Sedin
Vezina - Ryan Miller
Norris - Duncan Keith
Calder - Tyler Myers
Lady Byng - Martin St. Louis
Selke - Pavel Datsyuk
Jack Adams - Dave Tippett
Bill Masterton - Jose Theodore
Ted Lindsay - Alex Ovechkin
Messier Leadership - Sidney Crosby
King Clancy - Shane Doan (we omitted this one during the predictions by accident...and we regret it)

BEK: 2/10
MDK: 4/10

*I don't know if they still have the same agent, but the NHL should have requested Frank Caliendo. How awesome would it be to see him try to impersonate Don Cherry.


Draft

Since the draft starts soon, here are a couple quick thoughts:

• Taylor Hall is going first, no questions.

• It has been mentioned that the L.A. Kings might pick a player that is Californian. This would be good publicity for the team but it's probably not the best choice (right Montreal? remember last year?)

• Speaking of Montreal, I know that they pick near the bottom of the first round, but please, please DON'T pick another damn American defenseman! Size up front is more important.

• Will Toronto move into the first round? Unlikely

2010 NHL Award Predictions

Another year, another awards ceremony, and its hosted by a guy who doesn't like hockey. Man, what other brilliant ideas will the NHL come up with next.


Hart Memorial Trophy
Finalist:
Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)

B: Sidney Crosby
M: Sidney Crosby


Vezina Trophy
Finalist:
Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
Ilya Bryzgalov (Winn...um...Phoenix Coyotes)

B: Ilya Bryzgalov
M: Ryan Miller


Norris Trophy
Finalist:
Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
Mike Green (Washington Capitals)
Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)

B: Duncan Keith
M: Mike Green


Calder Trophy
Finalist:
Matt Duchene (Colorado Avalanche)
Tyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres)
Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings)

B: Matt Duchene
M: Jimmy Howard


Lady Byng Trophy
Finalist:
Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings)
Brad Richards (Dallas Stars)
Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning)

B: Martin St. Louis
M: Brad Richards


Selke Trophy
Finalist:
Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings)
Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks)
Jordan Staal (Pittsburgh Penguins)

B: Jordan Staal
M: Ryan Kesler


Jack Adams Award
Finalist:
Joe Sacco (Colorado Avalanche)
Dave Tippett (Winnip...dammit did it again...Phoenix Coyotes)
Barry Trotz (Nashville Predators)

B: Joe Sacco
M: Joe Sacco


Bill Masterton Trophy
Finalist:
Kurtis Foster (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Jed Ortmeyer (San Jose Sharks)
Jose Theodore (Washington Capitals)

B: Jed Ortmeyer
M: Jose Theodore


Ted Lindsey Award
Finalist:
Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)

B: Henrik Sedin
M: Alex Ovechkin (betcha didn't see that one coming!)


Mark Messier Leadership Award
Finalist:
Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes...hey I got it right!)

B: Shane Doan
M: Sidney Crosby

Halak...er...God Help Us Now

Before getting down to business, congrats to the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup. Even though this ends their 49 year old cup drought, the longest cup drought is still held by the Leafs at 43 years (appearently 43 is higher than 49, who knew?)

Anyways, to the main subject...while I have been in my hole (trying not to go crazy) since I heard about it, I figure its about time I say: WHAT WAS MONTREAL THINKING?!?!

I get that Halak is a bit older than Price, and that his playoff run might have been a one-time thing (kinda hurts to say that) but why would they trade there most proven goaltender? Even if yet were (wrongfully) going to trade for Halak, wouldn't it be wise to have waited until the draft? You know, get a lot of offers.

There is only one thing that comes to mind about this trade.

The only good thing about the trade is that it leaves the Habs with an opening at goaltending. In which case...DRAFT ME Montreal.

Hey, can't blame a guy for trying eh.

Final Playoff Score
BEK: 10-5
MDK: 7-8