Over at HockyDirt.com they gave out some midseason NHL awards, the Neelies.
I was fortunate enough to be included in the voting for the Neelies. Just want to talk a little bit about my picks. Some of these were just a guess on my part, many of the players nominated I just haven’t seen.
Calder Neely – Rookie of the Half Season – Alexander Ovechkin 71%
He is carrying the Capitals as much as they can be carried. He was my pick.
Norris Neely – Top Defenceman of the Half Season – Wade Redden 45%
Zdeno Chara came in second with 29% which is who I voted for. I’d take Chara any day.
Hart Neely – Most Valuable Player of the Half Season – Jaromir Jagr 48%
I had the lone vote for Peter Forsberg, hey I’m a homer what can I say. Forsberg has really been huge for the Flyers particularly the play of Simon Gagne. Heck, Gagne should be considered.
Vezina Neely – Best Goaltender of the Half Season – Dominic Hasek 48%
I had the write in vote for Antero Niittymaki. He is better than anyone gives him credit for. That is along as he keeps his eyes off the jumbotron.
Lady Byng Neely – Sportsmanship and Gentlemanly Player of the Half Season – Brad Richards 29%
Not a clue on this one. I voted for Joe Thornton 14% who tied for fourth. I think he handled the trade to San Jose well.
Frank Selke Neely – Outstanding Defensive Forward of the Half Season – Rod Brind’amour 35%
Former Flyer, one of my favorites. This one I can’t remember if I voted for him or if I was the write in for Michal Handzus, a player that huge for the Flyers.
I would like to know who wrote in Mario Lemieux, are they high? Considering he is tied for second to last place on the Penquins with +/-. I don’t see how he plays good defensively, if he plays defense at all.
Jack Adams Neely – Coach of the Half Season – Lindy Ruff 23%
Seems like I was the only one that voted for Ken Hitchcock. How can you not vote for a guy who’s team been hit with the black plague and was close to first in the East? The Flyers ONLY have 6 players out now, hey that’s pretty good.
Comeback Player Neely of the Half Season – Dominic Hasek 42%
I also voted for Hasek, but I think this was really a tossup considering there was no NHL last year.
Jerk Neely of the Half Season – Sean Avery 54%
Avery being on the west coast I don’t see too much. I have heard he has said some things not really PC and he tends to run his mouth.
Personally I go by the motto sticks and stones make break my bones…
My vote was for Darcy Tucker for hitting a guy in the head with his helmet, twice. Yeah that takes it for me.
Tough Guy Neely of the Half Season – Brian McGrattan 53%
Another write in vote for me, Donald Brashear. I wonder why the guy isn’t on the list. Many players simply will not fight him. It is true though he is trying to adjust to the new NHL and is fighting less.
Flop of the Half Season – Sergei Federov 32%
I think that’s who I voted for. Sergei isn’t the Sergei of old anymore.