Hockey Fanatic Awards 2008

The NHL Awards are tonight and based on previous years results they will most likely get things wrong AGAIN!. Here are my alternative to those honors and showing you my selections for the individual and team performance Awards this year. I even include some new categories.



Most Valuable Rookie: Patrick Kane

ITS KANE!! ITS KANE!! Hockey's version of the "big red machine" did a great job with a D+ Chicago squad. Perhaps they are going to have a bright future with all their young stars soon.

Most Valuable Player: Evgeni Malkin

He really stepped it up when the time was needed. He showed that he can be just as dominant without Sid and for a time, held onto the leagues' point lead.

Most Valuable Coach: Mike Babcock

He got a bunch of old farts and a bunch of Euros to stick to a back checking system that pretty much stifled everything that the fans want - goal scoring offense. Good for him.

Most Valuable Defenseman: Bryan Rafalski

The Michigan-born defender took one the last key goals of the Cup finals and got another ring for Detroit.

Most Valuable Goalie: Evgeni Nabokov

This SJ Shaks goalie was really really good during the regular season. He gave the Cal Bay area some hope that this was going to be the Sharks year. Maybe next time.

Most Valuable NHL slovak player (AKA the Golbez Trophy): Marian Hossa.

He was the steal of the trading deadline and perhaps was the push that sent the Penguins to the Cup finals. He was also almost there as his last shot almost went in to tie up game 6.

Most Valuable Teammate Tandem: Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.

These two worked well on the top line, straight to the best record in hockey this season.

Most Valuable General Manager: Ray Shero

He put together this year's best team.... on paper.

Most Valuable Ice Girls: Dallas Stars Ice Girls

These great group of girls, the Dallas Stars Ice Girls, even have their own Myspace page to promote themselves as well as the great game.

Most Valuable Fanbase: Washington Capitals.

I was impressed with their help to rally jump in and land into the 3rd place and then come out to support the team in the playoffs.. and having everybody dress in red shirts.

The Cabana Award (aka: "the spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool" award): The Philadelphia Flyers

These f---rs just don't want to be cool. Cool like Carlito. First they lead the league in player suspensions, then they take out Ovechkin in the playoffs. They played all year as agitators or as someone you would most likely want to spit an apple into their face.