Remember to rent your $59.99 prom special tux because it's time to hand out some hardware at the 1st Annual Stanley Cup of Chowder Awards.
Chowder Pot
The Chowder Pot is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who scores the most goals during the regular season.
Phil Kessel had a breakout year for the B's and potted a team best 36 regular season goals. The question is has he played his last game in black & gold?
Johnnie Cochran Memorial Trophy
The Johnnie Cochran Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the best defenseman on the Boston Bruins.
Candidates
Dennis Wideman (13-37-50), +32, 135 Blocked Shots
Zdeno Chara (19-31-50), +23, 169 Hits, 123 BkS
Aaron Ward (3-7-10), +16, 151 Hits, 124 BkS
Matt Hunwick (6-21-27), +15
and the winner is...
Zdeno Chara was one of the most dominant defenders in the NHL this year. Chara is a finalist for Norris Trophy.
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.
Tim Thomas led the league in GAA (2.10) and save percentage (.933%) and is in the running for the Vezina Trophy.
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.
Candidates
Marc Savard 63 Assists, +25
David Krejci 51 Assists, +37
and the winner is...
Marc Savard looked for his shot more this season, but still continues to be a pass-first playmaker, who can find the open man.
Henry Rowengartner Trophy
The Rowengartner Trophy is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who demonstrates outstanding play during his rookie season.
Candidates
Blake Wheeler (21-24-45), +36
Matt Hunwick (6-21-27), +15
Byron Bitz (4-3-7), Even
and the winner is...
Blake Wheeler exceeded expectations by making the big club out of camp and immediately contributed at the NHL level. The rookie was chosen to compete in the NHL YoungStars Game at NHL All-Star Weekend and won the YoungStars Game MVP. Wheeler's play was inconsistent in the playoffs and he was a healthy scratch for Games 6 and 7 of the second round series with the Carolina Hurricanes, but overall he had a pretty solid rookie campaign. The best play of Wheeler's young career may have been refusing to play for the Phoenix Coyotes.
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.
Candidates
Shawn Thornton 17 Fighting Majors
Milan Lucic 10 Fighting Majors
and the winner is...
Shawn Thornton is never one to back down from a fight and is more than willing to protect his teammates. Despite his enforcer role, Thornton proved this season that he is so much more than just a goon. Thornton was a valuable member of the Bruins and saw significant ice time on the Bruins' 4th line.
Aaron Burr Trophy
The Burr Trophy is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who displays great skill in the shootout.
Candidates
Blake Wheeler (4 for 7, 1 game winner)
P.J. Axelsson (2 for 5, 2 game winners)
and the winner is...
The Bruins struggled in the shootout this season, going just 4-6 in the skills competition. Blake Wheeler led the team in shootout goals (4) and had a 57.1% shooting percentage in the shootout.
Fred Cusick Award
The Fred Cusick Award is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who spends the most time in the press box (healthy scratch).
Matt Hunwick appeared in 53 games for the Bruins. He was up with the big club almost the entire season but found himself watching from the 9th floor quite a bit this year.
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.
Candidates
Johnny Boychuk (20-46-66), +19
Tuuka Rask 33-20-4, 2.50 GAA, .915 Sv%, 4 SOs
Martin St. Pierre (15-51-66), +10
Brad Marchand (18-41-59), +13
Vladimir Sobotka 44 GP, (20-24-44), +11
Mikko Lehtonen (28-25-53), +5
and the winner is...
I think it is safe to say that Johnny Boychuk won't be spending too much more time riding buses and drinking coffee milk. Boychuk led all AHL defensemen in points (66 points) and was awarded the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL's top defenseman.
"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.
Candidates
Phil Kessel 6 Hits
Marc Savard 25 Hits
Blake Wheeler 47 Hits
and the winner is...
I know physical play isn't really Kessel's game, but someone need to tell him that the NHL isn't a "no check" league.
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. It is the only award that is voted on by the readers.
and the winner is...
Milan Lucic received 28% of the fan vote. His rough and tumble style of play has endeared Looch to the balcony dwellers at The Garden.
Thank you for joining us for the 2009 Stanley Cup of Chowder Awards. Congratulations to all the winners.