Here are our picks for THN's Capitals midseason awards, including the Hart winner as MVP and Selke winner for the best defensive forward.
The Washington Capitals' season has been filled with ups and downs, and as the team continues to fight to stay in the playoff race, several players have been stepping up and making the most of their ice time.
Now that we're at the mid-way point of the season, The Hockey News is handing out our midseason awards for the Capitals and made our picks for the team's Hart, Selke, Norris and other award winners.
Here are our picks:
Hart Trophy: Dylan Strome
While Alex Ovechkin is also tied with the team lead for points, and though Charlie Lindgren's stolen games make him a strong candidate, Dylan Strome has easily been Washington's most valuable player this season.
With the Capitals — and Ovechkin — struggling to score, Strome has stepped up with 19 goals, and his 31 points through 47 games are tied for the team lead in scoring.
With Nicklas Backstrom stepping away, the team has needed another leader to step up as a No. 1 center, and Strome hasn't disappointed. He scores in clutch times, helps energize the power play and makes the players around him better.
Norris Trophy: John Carlson
Washington got a reminder of just how important Carlson is when he was out of the lineup for the majority of last season after being struck by a puck in the head, and this season, he continues to put up points and be a huge part of the lineup.
Carlson ranks third in the NHL in ice time per game (25:41 minutes), and his 25 assists through 47 games lead the Capitals. He continues to play a critical role on the backend, and in the room, his leadership is crucial to team success.
Vezina Trophy: Charlie Lindgren
Though he signed in D.C. as the backup, Charlie Lindgren has done everything he can to become the bonafide starter and take the No. 1 spot from Darcy Kuemper this season, and it's made him one of the best goalies in the league.
His 10.1 goals saved above expected are the eighth-most in the league, and his .920 save percentage is also up there to boot. "The Outlaw" has stolen quite a few games for D.C. this season, coming up with some huge saves and making the most of his right-catching mitt.
Calder Trophy: Beck Malenstyn
Though he doesn't exactly meet the NHL's qualifications for a rookie, Beck Malenstyn is by far the Capitals' top first-year player.
The 25-year-old has hit the ground running and fits right into that fourth-line role that Washington needed to fill with Garnet Hathaway parting ways this offseason. He and Nic Dowd have combined to restore the identity fourth line, which is just as good offensively as it is defensively.
Through 46 games this season, Malenstyn has four goals and seven assists, but his most important contributions don't necessarily come up on the scoresheet. He's vital on the backcheck, and he's able to break up plays, block shots and shut things down as a winger. He also logs a lot of time on the penalty killer and is the first over the boards in his rookie season.
Selke Trophy: Nic Dowd
This is an easy pick, and Dowd is actually capable of earning Selke recognition throughout the league. He's an outstanding defensive center and also helps drive a lot of offensive play when he's on the ice.
Through 38 games, Dowd has seven goals and six assists for 13 points, along with a team-leading plus/minus of plus-8. He creates a lot of high-danger opportunities, carries the puck effectively into the zone, draws penalties and has a wicked shot. In his own end, he wins back pucks, kills penalties and plays a very demanding role.
Lady Byng Trophy: Aliaksei Protas
When it comes to young names that have impressed this season, Aliaksei Protas is right up there on that list, and what's even more impressive is his sportsmanship.
Through 46 games, he has just four penalty minutes and plays a clean game while being a major threat at 5-on-5. He has three goals and 15 assists for 18 points, marking a career-best performance, and his production and playmaking 5-on-5 have impressed the organization.
The 23-year-old recently signed a five-year extension given his impact and promise.