From Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald:
Iginla is not winning the Hart. The Art Ross (most points) and Rocket Richard (most goals) trophies are already spoken for.
Even the Lester B. Pearson Award — which goes to the most outstanding player, as voted on by NHLers themselves — is a write-off. Iginla is nominated, but, after checking The Sporting News player-of-the-year results — 250 out of the 287 big-leaguers voted in favour of Ovechkin — he’s not worried about producing a captivating acceptance speech for the Pearson, either.
“This year will be a little different,” said Iginla. “Before, there were times when I knew that I’d be going up to the stage . . . so that part makes you nervous. You’re excited for the night, but you’re also nervous because there’ll be a little bit of spotlight there and you’ll have to say stuff.”
Read the entire article here.
At least Iginla’s honest. I’m still wondering why it was a big deal that the NHL store had Ovechkin MVP shirts already on sale last week. Everyone knows Ovechkin is taking home the MVP award this season. It’s nice to hear Iginla not pretend that it could be a race.
As for the awards, Illegal Curve will have its preview up for each award, the nominees and our predictions, later in the day.
