Report card for the Hawks season (10'-11') excluding the playoffs

Alrighty, well finally got to write a report card for the Hawks. Im not including the post-season.....that will be next blog. It’s been a crazy month and keeps on getting crazy so hopefully things will turn around.  I did it differently by putting it in categories.  You will see that in the disappointing season....i kinda went a lil crazy but HEY....it’s the truth!  Some may agree....some might not but this is what I believe how each player has played this past season (10-11’)

Great season

Patrick Sharp-What can I say....u had a great post-season last year and you brought it to this season with your 34 goals(1^st) and 37 assists.

Corey Crawford-Wow....this is your first season in the NHL.  I can only imagine what you bring the next three seasons.  You are the reason why we won half the games this season.

Brian Campbell-The most consistent D-man this season with your +28.

Jonathan Toews-Although you did have a slow start... you def picked it up towards the middle of season.  Lead the Hawks in point with 76, takeaways, and faceoffs.

Nice surprise

Nick Leddy-This was his first season in a Hawks uniform and only played 46 games after being recalled from Rockford.  Sure he made rookie mistakes but he’ll only get better. 

Troy Brouwer-Finally it is nice to see ya use your body....LOL....262 hits for the season.  Time for the Hawks to resign you!

Bryan Bickell-This was Bickell’s first full season as a Hawk....17 goals and 20 assists.  3^rd on the team with 178 hits. 

Ryan Johnson-Averaged 63.1 at the dot for only 34 games.  The end.

Tomas Kopecky-This was his best season.

Not bad

Marian Hossa-Eventhough you were injured....not bad for the season with being 4^th in total points.  Interesting stat.....Hossa only did 4 faceoffs and won 3 of them.

Niklas Hjalmarrson-Def had a slow start...but picked it up!  Lead the team with 166 blocked shots.

Dave Bolland-I know that you probably don’t like ur nickname but you def know how to get under hockey players skin.....I LIKE IT!

Jake Dowell-Eventhough coach don’t like you.....I DO!  You do the little things that don’t get recognition.....i appreciate you!

Jordan Hendry-Ur another guy that coach doesn’t like.  Such a bummer that you got a torn ACL and ur up for contract...but you had a decent short season.

Marty Turco-I don’t care how many people hate you.....i like you.  Sure you lost the #1 position but i did enjoy you moving the puck....too bad you never had a team in front of you.

Alright

Fernando Pisani

John Scott- You did your job.....got to say this was a GREAT FIGHT!

Chris Campoli-Came in right at the trade deadline...like him but would like to see more.

Michael Frolik-Well you had a slow start coming from Florida (Feb) but def picked it up

Disappointing season

Most of you might not like it cause I will be very harsh but whatever...I expect more from these players. The next three guys you see....you have to compare them from the previous season to understand where I’m coming from.  Oh....who do I pick first??  I’ll go with Duncan....cause at least he admit to it.  I don’t know about the other two. 

Duncan Keith-What can I say....VERY disappointing season and you’re one of my favorites on the team.  Every game I was waiting for Mr. Norris Trophy winner to show up but all i got see was turnover, turnover, turnover (83 takeaways....most on the team)!  Sure you got 38 assists but you only got 7 goals.  What happen to shooting the puck....oh wait....that was probably blocked!  What about having your man covered.....as Edzo would say D on F....F on D....that was a missing piece too!  Your plus/minus rating was -1.....the previous three seasons you were +21, +33, and +30.  I could go on and on but Duncan...you better get your shit together!

Patrick Kane-I know he shouldn’t be in this category but he is.  He averaged a point per game but man what happen??  It was like he appeared for a few games and then disappear.  Lots of time, I wondered where he was.  I know he got hurt but even after that Im like where’s the guy that would be able to plow thru a player or two???  You were more stronger last season.  I will say this though.....for all the Kane haters out there.....GET OVER IT!  You are stupid to even consider trading him....he’s got the best vision on the ice for the Hawks and is a threat to every team when it comes to shooting the puck!

Brent Seabrook-I got to say once again....what happen???  You were pretty consistent the beginning of the season and then you fell apart.  I mean you were something special last season hence the best pair in the league....this season I was like WTF!  Where’s the long passes you make that no one else does consistently....oh wait the other team got it!  What about using the body...sure you got 227 hits...it must have been the games that I wasn’t able to watch!  I mean where was the coverage??  I will say this though.....it was nice to see you get involved with the play offensively! 

Viktor Stalberg-You are nice to look at and that’s about it!  Oppsy...did i say that out loud.  You got the speed but need some work.  This is your first full season in the NHL so hopefully you can get more experience and be able to shoot the puck more and create plays with some checks. 

Jack Skille-Peace out!  You got traded to Florida to reunite with the former GM that drafted you but you didn’t do much here.  I’ve always liked you but a word of advice...you might want to keep your mouth shut.  Your roll was 4^th line.

Jassen Cullimore-Played for the Hawks for a bit before going back down to Rockford

Nick Boynton-Went on waivers and was picked up by Philly

N/A

Marcus Kruger

Ben Smith

So that’s it.  I’m going to write a blog about the post-season and who on the Hawks will be a free agent.  Not sure if I will combine them or do it separtely.....anyways....til next time!  Oh BTW......GO BRUINS!

Part 2 of the NHL awards finalists

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance and dedication to hockey)

-Ray Emery (Ducks)

-Daymond Langkow (Flames)

-Ian Laperriere (Flyers)

Emery returned after having hip surgery.  He went 7-2.  Langkow returned after a year with a neck injury and played last four games of the season.  Laperriere was injured blocking a shot during last years playoffs but remains a constant presence for the team (ambassador, TV).

My pick-Ian Laperriere (Flyers)

Who’s missing-Pierre-Marc Bouchard (Wild)

Frank J. Selke Trophy (top defensive forward)

-Pavel Datsyuk (Wings)

-Ryan Kesler (Canucks)

-Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks)

Datsyuk had 71 takeaways despite only playing 56 games.  Kesler was plus 24, 65 takeaways, and 124 hits.  Toews had 95 takeaways, plus 25, 74 hits, and one of the top in faceoffs. 

My pick-Toews (Hawks)

Who’s missing- Eric Cole (Hurricanes)

Hart Memorial Torphy (MVP)

-Corey Perry (Ducks)

-Daniel Sedin (Canucks)

-Martin St. Louis (Lightning)

Perry with 50 goals, 48 assists, 11 game winning goals, 17.2% shooting percentage, and getting 19 goals in the last 16 games.  Sedin with a plus 30 rating, 63 assists, 41 goals, and 18 power play goals.  St. Louis 31 goals, 68 assists, and only 12 penalty minutes. 

My pick-Daniel Sedin (Canucks)

Who’s missing-what about Pekka Rinne (Predators)

Jack Adams Award (coach of the year)

-Dan Bylsma (Peguins)

-Barry Trotz (Predators)

-Alain Vigneault (Canucks)

Byslma proved that he could have a winning team without his top two players Crosby and Malkin.  Trotz once again had his Preds get into the post-season even with the lack of offense.  Vigneault ended the season with the most wins in franchise history winning the President’s Trophy.

My pick-Dan Bylsma (Peguins)

Who’s missing- Guy Boucher (Lightning)

NHL Foundation Player Award (contributions and charitable causes)

-Dustin Brown (Kings)

-Mike Green (Capitals)

-Sedin twins (Canucks)

Here's where you can look to see what each player has done with the community

My Pick-all of the them. 

Who’s missing-every single hockey player that does charity work

So those are all the awards that will be handed out on June 22^nd.  Whoever wins does deserve the award. 

Side note------Sad new....a fellow hockey player had passed away on May 13th.  Derek Boogaard of the New York Rangers was only 28.....may he rest in peace. 

A tearful Minnesota goodbye to Boogaard

Here's the Wild blogger piece of "So Long to the Boogey Man"

2011 NHL Awards Finalists...Part 1

So the finalists for all the NHL Awards have been announced.  Here’s a look at who’s nominated, my pick, and who’s missing.  This is Part 1. 

Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie)

-Logan Couture (Sharks)

-Jeff Skinner (Hurricanes)

-Michael Grabner (Islanders)

Couture 32G, 24A, 56Pts., +18, 41 PIM, 10 PPG, 8 GWG, 12.6 S%, 60 Hits, 66 Bks

Skinner 31G, 32A, 63Pts., +3, 46 PIM, 6 PPG, 2 GWG, 14.4 S%, 70 Hits, 28Bks

Grabner 34G, 18A, 52 Pts., +13, 10 PIM, 2 PPG, 3 GWG, 14.9 S%, 22 Hits, 22 Bks

Skinner has the most points as a rookie, Grabner lead the rookies with 6 short-handed goals, and Couture lead with 10 power-play goals/8 game-winning goals.

My Pick-Jeff Skinner

Who’s missing- Corey Crawford (Blackhawks)

General Manager of the Year

-Steve Yzerman (Lightning)

-Mike Gillis (Canucks)

-David Poile (Predators)

Yzerman is in his first season as GM for Tampa Bay...this is the first time they have made the playoffs since 2007.  Gillis got a few new players and ended up with the best record in the NHL this season.  Poile has Nashville in the playoffs once again. 

My Pick-Steve Yzerman

Who’s missing- Ken Holland (Red Wings)

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (skill/sportsmanship)

-Loui Eriksson (Stars)

-Niklas Lidstrom (Red Wings)

-Martin St. Louis (Lightning)

Eriksson had 27 goals, 46 assists, and only 8 penalty minutes

Lidstrom had 16 goals, 46 assists, and only 20 penalty minutes

St. Louis had 31 goals, 68 assists, and only 4 penalty minutes

My pick-Martin St. Louis

Who’s missing-Patrick Elias (Devils)

Vezina Trophy (top goalie)

-Tim Thomas (Bruins)

-Pekka Rinne (Predators)

-Roberto Luongo (Canucks)

Luongo lead the league with wins (38).  Thomas lead the league with goals against average (2.00) and save percentage (.938).  Rinne had a great season too...he wasn’t that far behind either goalies when it came to GAA and SV%.

My pick-Tim Thomas

Who’s missing-Carey Price (Canadians)

James Norris Memorial Trophy (top defenseman)

-Niklas Lidstrom (Red Wings)

-Zdeno Chara (Bruins)

-Shea Weber (Predators)

Weber 16 goals, 32 assists, 56 PIM, +7, 211 hits, 113 Bks, 62 TkA

Chara 14 goals, 30 assists, 88 PIM, +33, 153 hits, 111 Bks, 32 Tka

Lidstrom 16 goals, 46 assists, 20 PIM, -2, 49 hits, 92Bks, 33Tka

My pick-Shea Weber

Who’s missing-Keith Yandle (Coyotes)

So this is the 1^st 5 finalists....i will try to get to the other half soon!  Later hockey fans!