and the nominees are...

It is almost that time of year again when we here at Stanley Cup of Chowder give out some hardware to members of the Boston Bruins. The 2nd Annual Stanley Cup of Chowder Awards will honor those who excelled during the season. I figured the Olympic break would be the perfect time to throw up some filler content announce the frontrunners for this year's awards. So, without further ado, the nominee's are...

Chowder Pot
The Chowder Pot is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who scores the most goals during the regular season.

I'm not even sure if I should hand out this award this year because the final total might be embarrassingly low.

Last Year's Winner: Phil Kessel

The Current Frontrunners:

Johnnie Cochran Memorial Trophy
The Johnnie Cochran Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the best defenseman on the Boston Bruins.

Last Year's Winner: Zdeno Chara

Current Frontrunners:

Planned Parenthood Award for Goaltending Excellence
The Planned Parenthood Award for Goaltending Excellence is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who tries the hardest to avoid letting one slip past the goalie.

After winning the Vezina Trophy (and the Planned Parenthood Award for Goaltending Excellence) last season, Tim Thomas has split time with Tuukka Rask, who at this point looks like the favorite for this year's award.

Last Year's Winner: Tim Thomas

Current Frontrunners:

William Shakespeare Playmaker Award
The William Shakespeare Playmaker Award is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who is able make his teammates better and can create for others on the ice.

Last Year's Winner: Marc Savard

Current Frontrunners:

Henry Rowengartner Trophy
The Rowengartner Trophy is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who demonstrates outstanding play during his rookie season. All players who are eligible to win the NHL's Calder Trophy are eligible for the Rowengartner Trophy.

Last Year's Winner: Blake Wheeler

Current Front Runners:

Big Boss Man Enforcer Award
The Big Boss Man Enforcer Award is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who isn't afraid to drop the gloves to protect his teammates and maintain order on the ice.

Shawn Thornton is the obvious choice to win his second consecutive Big Boss Man Enforcer Award.

Last Year's Winner: Shawn Thornton

Current Frontrunners:

Shawn Thornton: 16 Fighting Majors (unofficial record of 11-3-2 according to hockeyfights.com)
Byron Bitz: 5 Fighting Majors (0-2-3)
Milan Lucic: 5 Fighting Majors (1-2-0)
Adam McQuaid: 3 Fighting Majors in 15 games (2-0-1)

Aaron Burr Trophy
The Burr Trophy is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who displays great skill in the shootout.

Current Frontrunners:

Marc Savard: 3 for 6, 1 game-winner
David Krejci: 3 for 8, 2 game-winners

Fred Cusick Memorial Award
The Fred Cusick Memorial Award is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who spends the most time in the press box (healthy scratch).

The award has been renamed from the Fred Cusick Award to the Fred Cusick Memorial Award to honor the late great Fred Cusick, who died at the age of 90 on September 15, 2009.

Current Frontrunners:

Last Year's Winner: Matt Hunwick

Johnny Boychuck: 23 Healthy Scratches
Vladimir Sobotka: 10 Healthy Scratches
Trent Whitfield: 8 Healthy Scratches

Buddy Cianci "Prince of Providence" Award
The Buddy Cianci "Prince of Providence" Award is awarded annually to the Bruins prospect who demonstrates outstanding play at the AHL level.

Last Year's Winner: Johnny Boychuk

Current Frontrunners:

Mikko Lehtonen: 20G-25A-45Pts
Brad Marchand: 29 points (12-17-29) in 30 games, +14
Andy Wozniewski: 9G-28A-37Pts
Trent Whitfield: 35 points (14-21-35) in 38 games

"The Last Girl on the Pinwheel" Award
"The Last Girl on the Pinwheel" Award is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who displays outstanding skating ability but tends to avoid physical play.

Last Year's Winner: Phil Kessel

Current Frontrunner: Marc Savard 11 Hits

Brian Scalabrine "Fan Favorite" Award
The Brian Scalabrine "Fan Favorite" Award is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins that is embraced most by the fans. This award isn't necessarily awarded to the most talented player on the team, but to the guy that plays with heart, who you love to root for. It is the only award that is voted on by the readers. Any player who has appeared in 10 games at this point in the season is eligible. Voting will close on the last day of the regular season.

Last Year's Winner: Milan Lucic