Congrats to Datsyuk for winning his fourth Lady Byng and second Selke tonight. It’s too bad Lidstrom didn’t get the Norris, but at least that pretender Green didn’t get it.
The show, by the way (if you didn’t watch), was about as painful as usual. Bad music, stumbling Hollywood types and wooden ex- and current player presenters. Guess it could have been worse, but the Show has a long way to go.
Highlight of the evening: Vladimir Konstantinov’s appearance with Igor Larionov. Still gut wrenching to see Vladdy, even though he’s looking good these days.
Yeah, the show was brutal. I agree on Vlady’s appearance. My runner-up highlight was Pav. He seemed about the only one with a personality and was by far the funniest, his delivery of “Second” when pulling out his second speech was classic Pav dry humor. Gotta love Pav.
Yeah, Pavel’s bits were great. The crowd loved him, which was cool to hear. Wasn’t a fan of Malkin (or was it Ovechkin?) trying to copy him, though.
I really liked that, when Datsyuk won the Selke, Ovechkin made a point to get up and shake Pav’s hand on his way up.
Pav’s speech (specifically the second one) was great. Love the guy.
But overall, what a shit show. I can’t stand Jeremy Roenick, he’s nowhere near as cool and charming as he thinks he is.
And I’m sorry, but Chaka effing Khan?!?! Are you KIDDING me?
I couldn’t quite understand what Ov said about Malkin after Malkin’s speech for Art Ross, but it sounded like he said something along the lines of “…worse than Pavel Datsyuk english.”
I was happy with the results of most of the awards, especially because it was all but guaranteed Lidstrom would not win.
Just as I’m starting to like Ovechkin better than Malkin and Crosby, he shows up to the awards with two showgirls. Typical Ovie.
So, um, where was Sid the Baby? It was wonderful that we didn’t have to see his face every two seconds while the camera crew drooled over him, but still. You’d think it’d be kind of important for him to be there. He’s the captain of the Stanley Cup Champions. He was nominated for an award. So where was he?
Gary must have let him know he didn’t win the Messier Dirty Captain Award (I mean Iginla and Crosby as leaders? Really?) so he could stay home. Kind of like he let him know he had to show up to the ASG, but didn’t bother telling anyone else.
Seriously though, with all the crap in the media about Handshakegate, who in their right mind wouldn’t have taken the opportunity to show up and shake Lidstrom’s hand? He does that, the whole thing is over. C’mon kid, use your head.
I just think, if they’re trying to use this kid as the face of the league, shouldn’t he be at all the events? Expecially this new experiment in Las Vegas? Since he wasn’t there, he forces me to assume he didn’t want to go because he didn’t win anything. And we all know he’s a sore loser…and winner. Still, they always make a big deal of the Champions, and he’s their captain…
So, maybe Crosby will be suspended for the season opener since he didn’t show up? Unless he had a note from his doctor.
I agree that Crosby should have been there.
Look, we know that the NHL Awards show sucks. We are putting hockey players in the postion of talking in front of a national audience, a lot those guys who can’t even speak english very well. I can’t even imagine how nerve wracking that would be. Man, if I had to accept an award, in Russia, and give my acceptance speech in Russian, I’m sure I wouldn’t have held up as well as those guys did last night.
Pav and Ovie both made me laugh, as did Tim Thomas, and I thought Malkin’s speech was almost sweet. He was so nervous.
As far as awards shows honouring the most humble of sports figures (yes, even Ovechkin), it wasn’t really all that bad, when put in perspective.
Matt,
It’s not so much about the players. I’m definitely willing to cut them slack. It’s the presentation, from the presenters to the music guests. The Larionov/Konstantinov presentation hit home emotionally, but other than that, only Tricia Helfer was able to sound like she’d ever been in front of camera or a crowd. It’s a part of the NHL’s low profile that they don’t have a lot of options for presenters, but even a guy as relatively polished in public speaking as Roenick stumbled noticeably.
The players are definitely the stars, with their jokes and honest nerves, but the presenters take away from that when they’re woodenly reading lines or messing them up.
I agree. The NHL is the only sport that does this award show. And while I do like the speeches from the Datsyuks and Ovies, I think I would like it better if the awards were handed out over a few days like in baseball and basketball (and maybe football too – I don’t know).
And while I do have issues with him, Ron MacLean should have hosted the show. He, at least, is comfortable in front of a camera, can turn a joke, and can add some entertainment to an otherwise very static production.
If they can find a working format for the show, I’m all for keeping it. It is unique. They just haven’t found a good formula.
Yeah, MacLean’s absence was a jolt. I must have missed the stories that laid out the reasoning behind not having a real host. Roenick barely counted.
Charisma and respect for fans seem to be fleeting for some players. Many people will have excuses for players “Kiss My Ask” attitudes, I’m a star. Ask Roenick how big a star he is (he probably carries his press clippings with him), if he feels like blessing you with speech. I watch Hockey because it’s probably the last sport were man still believe in their sport and not the wheelbarrel they need for money. And I agree with most fans, the NHL could fork out a few extra bucks for a better NHL Awards Show. Threat the fans with some show candy we deserve. NHL should have a program for players coming into the league and it should be manditory-”Class and Manners”.