It's that time of year again. It's time to hand out the hardware to members of the '09-'10 Boston Bruins. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the star-studded pageantry of the 2nd Annual Stanley Cup of Chowder Awards.
....and the winners 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 I should hand out this award this year since the number is embarrassingly low, but nonetheless Marco Sturm takes home the 'Pot with 22 regular season goals
Last Year's Winner: Phil Kessel (36 goals)
Johnnie Cochran Memorial Trophy
The Johnnie Cochran Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the best defenseman on the Boston Bruins.
It's wasn't Big Z's best season, but he is still the Bruins' rock on the blue line.
Last Year's Winner: Zdeno Chara
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.
As the season progressed, it became pretty clear: Tuukka's time is now. After splitting time with Tim Thomas at the beginning of the season, Rask secured the #1 spot between the pipes as the Bruins marched towards the playoffs. The rookie netminder finished the season with the NHL lead in GAA (1.97) and Sv % (.931).
Last Year's Winner: Tim Thomas
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.
Krejci was not able to replicate his 73 point campaign from last year, but he was able shake off the lingering effects of off-season hip surgery and a bout with swine flu early in the season to get his game into form late in the season. Krejci led all Bruins forwards with 35 assists (2nd most on the team to Zdeno Chara, who notched 37 helpers). Krejci's playmaking ability was a huge asset for the Bruins in the playoffs. Krejci's wrist injury in Game 3 of the Flyers series proved to be a major momentum swing.
Last Year's Winner: Marc Savard
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
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 after racking up a team-leading 141 PIMs and 21 fighting majors.
Last Year's Winner: Shawn Thornton
Aaron Burr Trophy
The Burr Trophy is awarded annually to the member of the Boston Bruins who displays great skill in the shootout.
Krejci lead the Bruins with 4 shootout goals in 10 attempts, including 3 game-deciding goals.
Last Year's Winner: Blake Wheeler
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 as a 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.
Johnny Boychuk spent a good chunk of time on the 9th floor of TD Garden this fall before earning a regular spot on the B's blue line. Boychuk was a healthy scratch 24 times this season (23 in the first half of the season).
Last Year's Winner: Matt Hunwick
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.
Mikko Lehtonen
#8 / Right Wing / Providence Bruins
6-3
196
Apr 01, 1987
Mikko Lehtenon led the Baby-B's in both goals (23) and points (50) this year.
Last Year's Winner: Johnny Boychuk
"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.
Co-Winners:
Marc Savard recorded 13 hits in 41 games this season. Miroslav Satan had 9 hits in 38 games. Mormon teenagers initiate more body conduct than these two guys.
Last Year's Winner: Phil Kessel
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 for the NHL club by the Olympic break was eligible for this award.
Tuukka takes home "The Scal" with an overwhelming 22% of the vote.
Last Year's Winner: Milan Lucic (28%)
Congratulations to all this year's winners. Thank you for joining us for the 2nd Annual Stanley Cup of Chowder Awards. Enjoy the after parties.