As expected, Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas won his second career Vezina Trophy, the pinnacle of goaltender awards. This award is presented to the player who has been the most outstanding goaltender throughout the season. It was hard to argue against the 37 year old gentleman from Flint, Michigan when you look at the stats. He posted a 2.00 goals against average, a .938 save percentage, and nine shutouts in 57 games this season.
He beat out Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks and Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators. Although Luongo, along side teammate and fellow goaltender Cory Schneider, walked away with the William M. Jennings Award (goaltender(s) who have conceded the fewest goals for their team in a season), the way that Thomas played during the season and into the postseason goes beyond the stat sheet.
Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara did not win the James Norris Trophy for most outstanding defenseman (Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings took the award). However, he did win the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership and attitude on and off the ice.
Vancouver Canucks alternate captain Ryan Kesler, one of like six alternate captains for the team, took home the Frank J. Selke Trophy for being the league's best two-way forward. Seriously, has anyone realized that the Canucks have like six alternate captains? Did anyone notice that as the Stanley Cup Finals was taking place? I am glad to see that the leadership position on that team is decided.........Anyway, I was making a point by bringing up Kesler. Bruins center Patrice Bergeron should have at least been nominated for this award. His play goes heavily unnoticed by the league and he is one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL. He got snubbed from the All-Star game and now this. At the end of the day, he has the Stanley Cup. A very entertaining awards show tonight hosted by Jay Mohr, an event that seemed more like a comedy show at times, was a great way to end the season.
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