The NHL season is starting today and like all hockey fans, we couldn't be more excited. Here are FSM's predictions for a year of hockey that is sure to impress.
Stanley Cup Champions: Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks were a very solid team this past season, and have finished first in their division the past two years. Offseason moves were made that strengthened their team, adding Clayton Stoner, Ryan Kesler and Dany Heatley will bolster both their offense and defence. Playing a division stacked with talent will provide a tough regular season, and if the promising young goaltending tandem of Frederik Anderson and John Gibson holds up against the likes of LA and San Jose consistently, they will have the drive to make it through the playoffs and capture their second Stanley Cup in the past 10 years.
President's Trophy: Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins won the President's Trophy last year, and we believe they will again this year, as it was for good reason. The Eastern Conference teams are simply not as strong as the Western Conference teams, and with Boston being consistently one of the top teams in the conference they will not have too much trouble attaining the best regular season record in the league. Playing against weaker teams more often, but still producing like they have, and having Tuukka Rask hold it down in goal, will be the recipe for success to finish the season with the best record.Hart Memorial Trophy: Tyler Seguin
Tyler Seguin finished in fourth in scoring last season, and is playing on a Dallas team that is consistently getting better and better. Working with Jamie Benn on the first line, he has the potential to do just as well this coming season, if not better. Seguin will play a major part in the Stars' offensive production and will be a front funner for the league's Most Valuable Player.
Lady Byng Trophy: Martin St. Louis
The Lady Byng Trophy is awarded to the player in the league that most exemplifies sportsmanlike qualities combined with good playing ability. Martin St. Louis has won the Lady Byng twice already in recent years, and in his first full season with the New York Rangers, he will lead the team with his play, heart and sportsmanship.
Vezina Trophy: Carey Price
Carey Price had a spectacular season last year, and after winning the Olympic gold medal with the Canadian National team, all he did was get better. With Montreal not necessarily having the strongest defensive corps in the league, Price will have the opportunity to show how dominant of a goaltender he can be. If Montreal does as well this season as they did last, it'll have a lot to do with Carey Price. He will be a top candidate to take home the Vezina.Calder Memorial Trophy: Jonathan Drouin
Jonathan Drouin was drafted third overall in the 2013 NHL Draft to Tampa Bay Lightning. While playing for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, he had two stellar seasons, one ending with a Memorial Cup win he shared with last year's Calder Trophy winner, Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Frk of the Detroit Red Wings. Playing with the likes of Steven Stamkos on the Lightning this year, as well as being a dynamic goal scorer is a great combination that has a high possibility in leading to back-to-back Halifax Moosehead alumni Calder Trophies.
Art Ross Trophy: Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby won last year's Art Ross, and is a favourite to repeat. Playing alongside Chris Kunitz, who consistently compliments him and helps him set up scoring plays and in the weaker conference Eastern Conference will most certainly play well with his amazing talent and could very well result in him coming out of top of the scoring race, yet again.
Norris Trophy: Erik Karlsson
On an Ottawa Senators team that is seemingly on the decline, Erik Karlsson is a glimpse of hope. He has one Norris under his belt, and is in line to get another. A healthy Karlsson is something every team that plays Ottawa this season should be very prepared for. He has been one of, if not the best defensemen in the league in past few years and could have an outstanding season like the one he had in 2011.Ted Lindsay Trophy: Jonathan Toews
The Chicago Blackhawks have been, consistently, one of the strongest teams in the very talented Western Conference. This being made possible by the likes of Duncan Keith, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and especially Jonathan Toews. Toews leads the team with his hardworking, two-way style of play and still manages to stand out as a top point getter on an already stacked roster. We think the Professional Hockey Writers' Association will take notice of this, and choose him as their league MVP.
Jack Adams Award: Bruce Boudreau
Bruce Boudreau has already won a Jack Adams with his work coaching the Washington Capitals, and we believe he will get another this season as head coach of the Anaheim Ducks. If he can rally his team to the top of the Pacific Division for the third season in a row, and lead them to a Stanley Cup Championship as we have predicted above, he will need to be taken into close consideration to win coach of the year.
Frank J. Selke Trophy: T.J. Oshie
The Frank J. Selke is awarded to the forward who demonstrates the best ability to play the defensive side of hockey. Oshie, of the St. Louis Blues, is the perfect candidate. He is an extremely hard worker and a consistent hockey player to say the least, he stands out on the St. Louis roster for all the right reasons, and for that will be a top choice to take home the Selke.
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy: Steven Stamkos
Steven Stamkos won his first Rocket Richard in the 2011-12 season, and after having a very strong return to the NHL after a broken leg sidelined him for a good portion of the season, he is primed and ready to go. Playing with the dynamic Tampa Bay offense, he will surely score many goals, and has a very good chance of leading the league again.
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