Ovechkin is still the best player in the National Hockey League
Washington Capitals’ forward Alex Ovechkin has once again been named the National Hockey League’s most outstanding player. The Russian forward won his third-straight NHLPA award, becoming the first player since Wayne Gretzky to win the title three consecutive times.
Ovechkin is in fact the first winner of the new Ted Lindsay award, albeit the award dates back to 1970-71 when it was originally introduced as the Lester B. Pearson Award. The award celebrates the NHL’s Most Outstanding Player, as voted by members of the NHLPA. Twenty-two different players won the Pearson Award from 1970-71 to 2008-09. Before Ovechkin, only Gretzky (1981-82 to 1984-85) and Guy Lafleur (1975-76 to 1977-78) won the award in three successive seasons.
Also on Wednesday night at the NHL Awards Banquet, Henrik Sedin won the Hart Trophy (most valuable player), Martin St-Louis won the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship and skill), Ryan Miller won the Vézina Trophy (top goaltender), Tyler Myers won the Calder Trophy (outstanding rookie), Duncan Keith won the Norris Trophy (top defenceman), José Théodore won the Masterton Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication), Dave Tippett won the Jack Adams Trophy (top coach), Pavel Datsyuk won the Selke Trophy (top defensive forward), and Ryan Miller won the King Clancy Trophy (leadership on and off the ice).
Other 2009-10 NHL award winners were Jonathan Toews for the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff’s most valuable player), Henrik Sedin for the Art Ross Trophy (most points), Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos for the Maurice Richard Trophy (most goals), Jeff Schultz for the Plus-Minus Award, Martin Brodeur for the Jennings Trophy (team goals-against average), Tuukka Rask for the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award (save percentage).
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The Edmonton Oilers have won the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft lottery. As such, the Oilers will have the first pick in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft, a first for the Canadian franchise. The Oilers will be followed in the draft by the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders.
