Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos say who they'd pick for seven NHL awards at the mid-season point, break down the standings, predict the skills competition winner and discuss the St. Louis Blues with Lou Korac.
It's time for some mid-season NHL awards selections and a look at the standings on The Hockey News Pre-Game Show.
The guest on this episode, appearing on the Game+ Network with Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos, is THN's St. Louis Blues site editor Lou Korac. He discusses how the Blues have climbed up the standings since their coaching change, whether goaltender Joel Hofer deserves some Calder Trophy love and more.
Plus, Ryan and Michael also predict the winners of each challenge during Friday's NHL All-Star Skills event.
Let's get to it. Find the show on TV with the Game+ Network on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. ET.
Segment 1: Hart Trophy, Norris Trophy, Vezina Trophy
- Who's the NHL's most valuable player up to this point? The Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon and the Oilers' Connor McDavid were among the contenders discussed for the Hart Trophy.
- As for the league's top defenseman, Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar are among the top contenders.
- For the Vezina, what about the Jeremy Swayman and the Connor Hellebuyck? Were they picked by Ryan or Michael?
Segment 2: Calder Trophy, Selke Trophy, Lady Byng Trophy, Jack Adams Award
- Connor Bedard had been the front-runner for the league's top rookie award, but with his injury, others may have caught up to him in the race.
- The Selke goes to the league's top defensive forward, with Aleksander Barkov and Anze Kopitar among perennial contenders.
- Which of the league's best players is the most sportsmanlike?
- As for the coach of the year, a handful of bench bosses are in consideration.
Segment 3: St. Louis Blues talk with Lou Korac
- What's the reason for the Blues climbing up the standings?
- What role do Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich have in their recent success?
Segment 4: Mid-season NHL standings report
- In the Atlantic Division, are the Lightning, Maple Leafs or Red Wings in danger of missing the playoffs?
- In the Metropolitan, are the Flyers coming down to earth for real this time, and will the Islanders, Capitals or Penguins take their spot?
- Over in the Central Division, who's the team to beat?
- In the Pacific Division, could Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid meet again in a playoff series?
Segment 5: All-Star Skills competition winners
- Ryan and Michael predict the winners for each challenge in the skills competition, as well as the overall champion.
Check out The Hockey News Pre-Game Show on the Game+ Network at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Here's where to watch:
- Rogers: Channel 499
- Bell: Channel 1425 HD, 430 SD
- Telus Alberta and B.C.: Channel 924
- Videotron: Channel 778
- Cogeco: Channel 482 HD, 430 SD
- SaskTel: Channel 427 HD, 127 SD
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