Steven Stamkos Photo by Linda Hamilton

- Ok, Lightning fans. Time to get our vote on. The nominees for ESPN’s ESPY awards were announced and Steven Stamkos is one of the men in the Best NHL Player category. No disrespect to Claude Giroux, Henrik Lundqvist, Evgeni Malkin, or Jonathan Quick. Stammer is the man and this is an outlet to let our voices be heard.

I know, I know. ESPN and the NHL have an estranged relationship, and it’s amazing that they are even including the game of hockey in their awards show. This show is a great opportunity for everyone to see what we know here in Tampa. We may not be a traditional market steeped in history or have the largest fan base, but by Gretzky we are rabid. Vote Stamkos! To make it even easier, you can vote here.

- More news on the signing front. Defenseman Brendan Mikkelson was signed to a one year, one way contract for $600,000 today. After being acquired from Calgary in the Blair Jones trade last season, Mikkelson played 41 games for Tampa. In those games he had one goal, three points, and thirteen penalty minutes.

The signing leaves the Bolts with 4 unsigned restricted free agents: Keith Aulie, Jaroslav Janus, Brian Lee, and Evan Oberg. Free agency mania starts Sunday at noon.

- Newly drafted goaltender Andrei Vasilevski was selected by Mississauga in the 2nd round of the CHL Import Draft today. No word if this means he is definitely coming to North America to play, as he is still under contract in Russia.

Maurice Richard Trophy Photo by Linda Hamilton

The NHL Awards was beamed into our living rooms from Las Vegas last night. While the Tampa Bay Lightning will only bring one trophy back home, they were definitely all over the broadcast. Steven Stamkos was nominated for two awards and was presented with some hardware.

As the league’s leading scorer, he was awarded the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. His incredible 60 goal season earned him the honor and it was nice to see him recognized in front of crowd with so many of the NHL’s luminaries.  Stamkos previously shared the Richard trophy with Sidney Crosby after the 2010-11 season.

Stamkos was also up for both of the MVP titles: the Ted Lindsay Award and the Hart Trophy. The Lindsay is voted on by the members of the NHLPA while the Hart is awarded by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

Both ended up going to Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a lot of Bolts fans were up in arms.  It’s not all that surprising, given the absolutely stellar season Malkin had. Had the Lightning made the playoffs, it may have been another story for Stammer.

» Continue reading “Stamkos Nominated For 2 Awards, Brings Home Richard”

 - Lightning forward Steven Stamkos can add another honor to his 2011-12 season. He was announced as a finalist for the Ted Lindsay award, the trophy voted on by the members of the NHLPA.

The players who comprise the league agreed completely with the writers who nominated Stamkos, Evgeni Malkin, and Henrik Lundqvist for the Hart. The same three men are up for the Lindsay.

Both trophies will be handed out at the NHL awards on June 20th in Las Vegas.

-It was announced last Thursday that Lightning owner Jeff Vinik is privately funding a brand new video board for the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The state of the art jumbotron is valued at $5 million and will be the largest center hung high definition board in any U.S. or Canadian arena.

The two side displays are so large that they will stretch from blueline to blueline. There will be two large screens at the ends as well so fans in all areas of the arena are guaranteed a great view.

- Lightning forward Nate Thompson scored a goal in Team USA’s 5-3 victory over Canada in the World Championships on Saturday. It was only the second win over the Canadians in 18 games since 1985. Our condolences to Teddy Purcell on Team Canada, but this one feels damn good!

Steven Stamkos Photo by Linda Hamilton

Lightning forward Steven Stamkos’ incredible season has earned him another honor. The finalists for this year’s Hart Memorial Trophy were announced today.

Stamkos joins the Pittsburgh Penguins’ center Evgeni Malkin and New York Rangers’ goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in being considered for the award.

During our award predictions, I already gave my guesses as to who would be nominated. While there is some satisfaction in being right, it’s tempered by the fact that I know Stamkos isn’t going to win.

Each year The Professional Hockey Writers Association votes on who they think the player most valuable to his respective team during the regular season is.

Stamkos had an exceptional season, becoming only the second player to reach the 60 goal mark since the 1995-96 season.  In doing so, he captured his second Maurice Richard trophy in the last three years.

He tied for the league lead in game winning goals, and set an NHL record by scoring five overtime goals. He also scored 48 even strength goals, the most for any player since 1992-1993.

The biggest reason why the Lightning star won’t win the award is the fact that the team didn’t make the playoffs. The last time a player was even nominated for the Hart without his team being in the post season was Jarome Iginla in 2002.

Even though the Hart is supposed to be for the MVP of the regular season, the post season is a big qualification for the winners. As predicted, Malkin will take it. That doesn’t lessen the honor. Stamkos’ star continues to rise in the NHL and as the Lightning continue to improve, I see a Marty St. Louis-esque awards tear in his future.