Dawn of the Jedi – Into the Void

I recently obtained a new book from Del Rey Ballantine Books  in the Star Wars universe, Dawn of the Jedi Into The Void by Tim Lebbon.

2013 Lady Byng Trophy Finalists

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

NHL announced the finalists for the 2013 Lady Byng Trophy. The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular season.  This year’s finalists are Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, Matt Moulson of the New York Islanders and Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

I would not be surprised to see Martin St Louis win it, but I would like to see Patrick Kane win this year.

 

2013 Selke Trophy Finalists

Frank J Selke Trophy

NHL announced the finalists for the 2013 Selke Trophy.  The Frank J. Selke Trophy is award annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular season.  This year’s finalists are Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

This is another tough one to pick this year, because all the finalists have played well to earn this award.  However, I would like to see Toews win it this year.

2013 Masterton Trophy Finalists

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

NHL announced the finalists for the 2013 Bill Masterton Trophy. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA) at the end of the regular season.  This year’s finalists are Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding and Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid.

The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

This award is always difficult to pick since all these finalists deserve to win this award.  Crosby could have a chance to win three awards this year and become the third Penguin to win this award.  That would interesting to see happen, but I really think that McQuaid deserve this year’s award.  Getting back to just play and have fun is all about this award.

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Conference Semis

Conference Semis starts tonight on CNBC.   NHL.com provides the coverage of each series.

In reviewing my Conference Quarterfinals picks, I picked 6 of 8 series correctly.

Pittsburgh vs New York Islanders

Pens win in 6.  Actual: Pens in 6.

Montreal vs Ottawa

Canadiens in 6. Actual: Senators in 5.

Washington vs New York Rangers

Rangers win it in 7. Actual: Rangers in 7

Boston vs Toronto

Bruins in 6. Actual: Bruins in 7.

Chicago vs Minnesota

Blackhawks in 6. Actual: Blackhawks in 5.

Anaheim vs Detroit

Ducks in 6. Actual: Red Wings in 7.

Vancouver vs San Jose

Sharks in 6. Actual: Sharks in 4.

St Louis vs Los Angeles

Kings win in 7.  Actual: Kings in 6.

I picked a total of 50 games in the first round, but only 47 games were played.  There were a lot of overtime games in the first round, so I expect to see more in this upcoming round.

For my picks in the Conference Semis,

Pittsburgh vs Ottawa

Penguins faced more adversity than the Senators did in the first round.  Ottawa did surprised me with their play in their series with the Canadiens.  Although the Pens swept the season series against Senators, it will be tougher this time.  I would not be surprised if the Senator take this series, but I will stick with the Pens in 6.

Boston vs New York Rangers

East version of an Original 6 series.  Any original series should be good to watch.  The Rangers have the edge in goal tending but the Bruins’ top line is producing.  This battle may decide who wins this series.  Typically it is goal tending that wins series, so Ranges in 7.

Chicago vs Detroit

The last version of an Original 6 series in the West, since Detroit moves to the East next season.   The Hawks played pretty well against the Red Wings this year, but this series should be a classic to watch.   I still like the Blackhawks to win it in 6.

Los Angeles vs San Jose

Expect many of these games going into overtime, so rest may work to the Sharks’ advantage after their sweep of the Canucks.  Yet, the Kings got back on track after dropping the first two games against the Blues.  With Sharks playing well, I see them winning in 6.

2013 Hart Trophy Finalists

Hart Memorial Trophy

NHL announced the finalists for 2013 Hart Trophyon Friday.  The Hart Trophy is awarded annually to the “player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.”  This year’s finalists are  New York Islanders center John Tavares, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin.

The Hart Trophy is determined by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular season.

The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

Here is the second award Crosby and Ovechkin are battle for this year.  One of these two will win it.  As stated with Lindsay Trophy, my guess would be on Sidney Crosby.

2013 Lindsay Award Finalists

Hal Lindsay Award (formerly Lester B. Pearson Award)

NHL announced this past Thursday the finalists for the 2013 Ted Lindsay Award.  Lindsay Award, formerly named Lester B Pearson Award, is given annually to most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the National Hockey League Players’ Association. This year’s finalists are  Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Washington Capitals‘ Alex Ovechkin and Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

Crosby and Ovechkin are battle for several trophies this year.  One of these two will win it.  But, which one will likely sweep?  My guess would be on Sidney Crosby.