Cardiac Cane’s Picks For 2013-2014 NHL Awards
By Brett Finger
Vezina Trophy
The award given to the goalie who is judged to be the best player at his position.
Mar 19, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) stands for the playing of the anthems before the start of their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Lightning beat the Maple Leafs 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Brett’s Pick: Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning)
I love Ben Bishop, and I probably made that clear when I chose him as a runner up for the Hart Trophy. Ben Bishop came into the year looking for a starting job, but dispute the adversity, led the Tampa Bay Lightning to the playoffs with a young core, and without their star player, Steven Stamkos, for much of the season.
He ended the regular season in the top-5 in games played (63), wins (37), and shutouts (5). He also ranks 7th in the NHL in both goals against average (2.23) and save percentage (.924).
His value to the Lightning is currently being showed. As a higher seed, they are down 3-0 in their series with the Montreal Canadiens without Ben Bishop in the lineup.
Runner Ups: Tuuka Rask (Boston Bruins), Semyon Varlamov (Colorado Avalanche)
Wes’s Pick: Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens)
Most will have Rask and while he had a great season, he did it with the best defensive team in hockey in front of him. Price did it with a weak, constantly changing defense as he helped the Montreal Canadiens to the postseason and earned 34 wins plus a .927 save percentage.
Runner Ups: Tuuka Rask (Boston Bruins), Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)