2017 NHL Awards

Forced to retire due to MS, Bryan Bickell honored with emotional tribute at NHL Awards

Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell just thought he slept funny on his arm. But after the pain continued, an MRI confirmed his worst fear. Bickell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after experiencing symptoms since the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The disease forced Bickell to retire from the NHL in April.

Before his last two NHL games, Bickell told NHL.com that hopefully he could get a goal. “You never know when the last one is. It would be special,” Bickell said.

During the Hurricanes final game, Bickell scored a shoot-out goal on his last NHL shot.

The NHL presented an emotional tribute video to Bickell during the NHL Awards. After the video finished, Bickell and his wife Amanda gave an equally touching, teary-eyed speech.

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By Cara Bahniuk 6 years ago

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Braden Holtby named to end of season NHL Second All-Star Team

After the NHL Awards ended, the 2016-2017 All-Star teams were announced through a release by the NHL. The teams are voted on by representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

Braden Holtby, who came in second in Vezina voting, was named to the Second Team. Caps forwards Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin came in third at their respective positions, only being outvoted by centers Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby and left wings Brad Marchand and Artemi Panarin.

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By Cara Bahniuk 6 years ago

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‘Live for the now’: Craig Anderson wins Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, gives touching acceptance speech

Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson had a season he will never forget. He led the Senators to the Eastern Conference Finals, finishing his regular season with 25 wins and a 2.28 goals against average.

But Anderson also took multiple leaves of absence to be with wife Nicholle while she battled a rare form of throat cancer called nasopharyngeal carcinoma. As of late May, Nicholle is now cancer free.

Throughout his time off, Anderson learned there is “more to life,” as told to the National Post. “You learn that when you have kids, but when you go through something this traumatic and difficult, hockey is a job. I’m passionate about it, but at the end of the day, hockey will go on, whether I’m in it or not.”

The lessons he learned paid off, as he was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy tonight at the NHL awards. The Masterton Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.

Anderson’s acceptance speech was very emotional.

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By Cara Bahniuk 6 years ago

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Braden Holtby finishes second in Vezina Trophy voting behind Sergei Bobrovsky

LAS VEGAS — For the second year in a row, Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy after winning it last season. This year he registered a league-leading 42 wins a mere 13 losses. He saved 92.5 percent of shots he faced and allowed an average of just 2.07 goals per game, placing second in the league.

Nevertheless, Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets was even better, winning the award. He posted a 41-17 record and led the league in both save percentage (.931) and goals-against average (2.06). It is Bobrovsky’s second Vezina win.

“Pricey, Holts, congrats on great year,” Bobrovsky said in his victory speech.

The Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price finished third.

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By Chris Gordon 6 years ago

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Braden Holtby awarded William Jennings Trophy

Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby did not win the Vezina Trophy for the league’s best goaltender, but did take home one piece of hardware. The Holtbeast received the William M. Jennings Trophy for backstopping the team “with the fewest goals scored against it.”

Philipp Grubauer did not share in the award because he did not play in a minimum of 25 games.

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By Ian Oland 6 years ago

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Here’s the full schedule for the NHL Awards, not just the awards themselves

The NHL has released the order of presentation for the NHL Awards, which airs tonight at 8 PM. Hosted by sentient beef Joe Manganiello, the broadcast will include presentation of the awards as well as some extras, which RMNB has learned about exclusively.

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By Peter Hassett 6 years ago

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With the NHL switching to Adidas, Kettler Capitals Iceplex is offering discounts

After I finished up my weekly skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, I put on my shoes and strolled into the Caps team store. I was hoping to find ironic Metropolitan Division champs merchandise to wear at RMNB parties.

Instead, what I found left me excited beyond belief. Everything’s on sale.

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By Chris Gordon 6 years ago

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Noted Penguins fan Joe Manganiello to host NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft

Days after a report suggested that Ted Leonsis believes the NHL is in the tank for the Penguins, the NHL announced their host for the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft. It’s ostentatious Penguins fan Joe Manganiello.

The MAGIC MIKE star, who is married to Modern Family’s Sofía Vergara, is a native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon.

Now I will post several photos from Manganiello’s Twitter account.

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By Ian Oland 6 years ago

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