QUARTER POLE AWARDS

As the NHL Season moves into Decemeber, we hit the time of year when everyone makes their predictions for post season awards. Do they ever come true? Not often, but it is still fun. Below are DC Hockey Spot's picks for the Hart, Vezina, Norris, and Calder as well as a Stanley Cup prediction and East v West All Star Picks.

Hart Memorial Trophy: League MVP

Front Runner: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay

While he has cooled lately, Stamkos began the year on a torrid pace and is one of the major reasons that Tampa Bay is relevant again and that the Capitals are going to have to work to win the Southeast Division this year. He is the most dangerous player in the league on the Powerplay and his one timer reminds many of a young Brett Hull.

Runner Ups: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburg- Proving to be one of the most consistent players in hockey; Alex Semin, Washington- Do not expect him to be in the mix all year, but he has been the engine that has driven the Capitals offense while Ovechkin struggles to score.

Under Consideration: Eric Staal, Carolina; Dustin Byfuglien, Atlanta; Carey Price, Montreal

Vezina Trophy: Most Outstanding Goaltender

Front Runner: Carey Price, Montreal

Price leads the league in Wins with 15 and is in the top 5 in terms of S% and GAA. But what is most impressive is where he is doing it given his history. Montreal has thought Price to be a franchise goalie for quite some time, but the fans and media have had a hate-hate relationship with him over the year (particularly when Halak was traded). He is proving them all wrong and at this point is cashing in an MVP like performance.

Runner Ups: Tim Thomas, Boston- Good redemption story who leads the league is S%, GAA, and Shutouts. I only put Price above him because of the situation of playing in Montreal; Ondrej Pavelc, Atlanta- Excellent bounce back for early season fainting episode and is 2nd in the league in S% and GAA.

Under Consideration: Jimmy Howard, Detroit; Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles; Sergei Bobrovsky, Philadelphia

James Norris Trophy: Most Outstanding Defenseman

Front Runner: Dustin Byfuglein, Atlanta

Most thought Atlanta was insane to move Big Buff off the wing and back to the blueline, but he has thrived so far this season. His Stanley Cup winning experience has been invaluable to Atlanta and is doing his best Mike Green impression as he leads the league in points. He might also be the most clutch player in hockey today.

Runner Ups: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit- Has earned the right to be on everyones list and has backed that right up this year; Kris Letang, Pittsburgh- Near the top of the list in points and +/-

Under Consideration: Mike Green, Washington; John-Micheal Liles, Colorado; Tobias Enstrom, Atlanta

Calder Memorial Trophy- Most Outstanding Rookie

Front Runner: John Carlson, Washington

While a bit of a homer pick, Carlson is for sure in the discussion for winning ROY. He leads all rookies in ice time and is 2nd in +/- while racking up 12 points as a denfenseman. He also has been counted on to play big minutes against the opponents top line, although that might change with the arrival of Scott Hannan.

Runner Ups: Jeff Skinner, Carolina- Leads rookies in points. Sergei Bobrovsky, Philadelphia- Seems to finally be the answer to the goaltending woes in the City of Brotherly Love.

Under Consideration: Michal Neuvirth, Washington; Logan Couture, San Jose; Jordan Eberle, Edmonton.

Stanley Cup Prediction

This year the NHL has been as tight as ever. In fact, almost every team in the West is still in serious contention for a playoff spot. In the East, the Front Runners have to be Washington, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Out West, the top teams early are Detroit, Vancouver, and Chicago.

DC Hockey Spot's Pick: Washington over Vancouver

Two teams that have been in the mix for years finally get over the top and reach the finals. Washington is able to capture their 1st Stanley Cup due in large part to a huge playoff by Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich (playing the role of Big Buff) and strong goaltending by a young duo, a la Carolina when Cam Ward and Martin Gerber lead the way.

Dark Horse:

- Boston- Any team with a goalie playing like Tim Thomas has a shot. And the return of Savard will only help an already improved offense.

- Los Angeles: Young team that should start to come together more as the year moves on. Look for them to make waves at the deadline if they are serious contenders for a Cup run.

East v West All Stars

While I know the rules have changed, here are DC Hockey Spot's picks for East and West All Stars.

East

C: Sidney Crosby- Pittsburgh

LW: Alex Ovechkin- Washington

RW: Steven Stamkos- Tampa Bay

D: Dustin Byfulgein- Atlanta

D: Zdeno Chara- Boston

G: Carey Price- Montreal

West

C: Pavel Datsuyk- Detroit

LW: Patrick Sharp- Chicago

RW: Daniel Sedin- Vancouver

D: Nicklas Lidstrom- Detroit

D: John-Michael Liles- Colorado

G: Jonathan Quick- Los Angeles