Awards Watch: Letang leaps into Norris Trophy race
Every two weeks until the end of the season, theScore will examine the leading candidates for five of the NHL Awards.
Hart Trophy: Rick Nash, New York Rangers
The injury to goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has only emphasized Nash's importance to the Rangers, and the forward has six points in four games since the club lost its netminder. Nash is tied with Alex Ovechkin for the league lead with 33 goals, and he's done it in three fewer games.
Honorable mention: Ovechkin is also tied for the league lead in power-play goals, and he leads the NHL in game-winners and shots on goal. Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane - with his 62 points in 55 games - is also in the conversation.
Vezina Trophy: Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Price has allowed nine goals in his last seven games, and he's 6-1-0 with two shutouts in that span. His goals-against average (2.00) and save percentage (.933) are best in the league among goaltenders with at least 16 games played.
Honorable mention: Nashville Predators netminder Pekka Rinne bounced back from a rough return last Thursday with wins over the Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. His GAA (2.01) and save percentage (.929) are comparable to Price, and he has one more win (31) in three fewer starts.
Norris Trophy: Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins
Kevin Shattenkirk's injury puts a serious dent in his Norris Trophy hopes, and it opens the door for Letang, who's been on fire offensively. Letang has 10 points in his last eight contests. He is tied for second among defensemen with 42 points, and that's in a half-dozen fewer games.
Honorable mention: Los Angeles Kings blue-liner Drew Doughty is still averaging over 29 minutes of ice time, leading all rearguards with 33 shifts per game. The workhorse deserves a nomination, as does Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano and his league-leading 44 points at the position.
Calder Trophy: Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
Forsberg continues to produce for the first-place Predators. He's on a point per game pace over the last 11 contests, leading all rookies in goals and assists.
Honorable mention: Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad would certainly be the favorite if not for Forsberg. What Ekblad has accomplished at his age and position has been remarkable. The 19-year-old leads all healthy rookies in ice time (22:09), and sits third among the entire class with 31 points. Johnny Gaudreau deserves the other nomination.
Jack Adams Award: Peter Laviolette, Nashville Predators
Other teams have taken large leaps since last season, but no club has been as successful with a new head coach. No team has been as successful, period. Nashville boasts the best record in the NHL, and Laviolette's Predators are an astounding 22-3-1 at home.
Honorable mention: Jack Capuano's New York Islanders have played more road games than any other team in the Eastern Conference, and they've compiled an impressive 17-12-1 record away from Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The offseason additions have paid dividends, and the club remains primed for a playoff run.