HICKS PICKS - 2000-01 NHL AWARDS

HART TROPHY

Winner - Mario Lemieux & Joe Sakic
Runner-up - Patrik Elias

Sakic has been the front-runner all year. Time and time again, Sakic was the man for Colorado, scoring key goals, making key assists and getting the most out of his young linemates, Alex Tanguay and Milan Hejduk. However you cannot overlook Lemieux and what his comeback has meant to Pittsburgh.

The Penguins are 12 games over .500 since his return. He has re-ignited Jaromir Jagr. He has made Pittsburgh a scary team in the Eastern Conference playoffs. If he hadn't returned, it's questionable whether Pittsburgh would have made the playoffs at all. Throw in 76 points in 43 games and you have to say Lemieux is every bit as valuable as Sakic.


VEZINA TROPHY

Winner - Roman Cechmanek
Runner-up - Martin Brodeur

It's about time for Brodeur to get his due. 42 wins. A goals against of 2.32, a save percentage of .906 and nine shutouts. Brodeur has been overlooked in the past because of the team he plays on, but where would the Devils be without him? Certainly, not in first place.

However, Cechmanek has kept Philly afloat all year with his play. His 2.01 GAA, 35 wins, 10 shutouts and .921 save percentage are eye-popping. Without him, the Flyers are a bubble playoff team.

NORRIS TROPHY

Winner - Niklas Lidstrom
Runner-up - Scott Stevens


This is a case of Lidstrom getting his due as well. Lidstrom has been a bridesmaid for many years and finally should break through this year. Lidstrom is a force on the power play with 43 points. His plus/minus is only +9, but he has been out in all Detroit's crucial situations.

Stevens has a strong case, especially since he is a +40 and a ferocious hitter, but he does not contribute to the offense like Lidstrom does. The fact that Lidstrom is well-rounded gives him the slight edge here.

JACK ADAMS TROPHY

Winner - Scotty Bowman
Runner-up - Ken Hitchcock

The Wings resurgence this year has been amazing. Detroit is considered to be past its prime, yet has become unbeatable at home and a front-runner to emerge from the West. Bowman always has the right gameplans and the will to get his players to execute. Good thing the Olympic team has Pat Quinn as a coach and not Bowman, right? Wrong.

The fact that the Stars have not lynched Hitchcock yet is a testament to his ability. He guided the Stars to a 100 point season despite a severe lack of production at even strength. His stingy defensive approach always gives the Stars a chance to win. Isn't that the point?

SELKE TROPHY

Winner - Pick 'em


Joe Sakic, Steve Yzerman, Mike Ricci, Bobby Holik, etc. Take your pick.

LADY BYNG TROPHY

Winner - Who cares?


This is a dumb award. I can't see a gentlemanly award in hockey. It goes against the nature of the game. Are low penalty minutes the result of gentlemanly play or not getting caught? This is more like a consolation award for a good player who doesn't merit votes for the other categories.