Handing out the first-half NHL awards
Our award winners as the NHL season hits the midpoint:
Best rookie: Filip Forsberg (Nashville Predators). He's the top scorer on the No. 1 team. He ranks among the league's top five in plus-minus (+22). Can't ask for more. Runner-up: Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers).
Best coach: Gerard Gallant (Panthers). This category is overflowing with quality candidates, but Gallant distinguishes himself by transforming one of the NHL's lower-rung teams into a playoff contender. Runner-up: Peter Laviolette (Predators).
Top goalie: Pekka Rinne (Predators). He wins in a landslide. His numbers (1.98 goals-against average, .930 save percentage) speak for themselves. His level of consistency is remarkable. Runner-up: Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins).
Top defenseman: Shea Weber (Predators). When you consider the attributes of a quality defenseman, Weber measures up as the best. Booming shot. Physical presence. Savvy defender. Smart passer. Heavy hitter. Leader. Runner-up: Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames).
MVP: Rinne. The Hart Trophy is for the player judged to be "most valuable to his team." The Predators have 28 wins, and he has been in net for each one. With Rinne healthy again, Nashville is playing with a higher degree of confidence. Runner-up: Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks).
Masterton Trophy: Jaromir Jagr (New Jersey Devils). No player deserves this award (for dedication and perseverance) more than Jagr. He should already own this trophy. He is 42 and leads his team in points. He plays with passion and love for the game. Runner-up: Martin St. Louis (New York Rangers).
Top defensive forward: Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks). He's a skilled faceoff man, contributor to the No. 1 penalty-killing unit and always matched up against the top centers. When you also factor in his leadership, grit and aura, Toews might be the NHL's most well-rounded player. Runner-up: Marian Hossa (Blackhawks).
PHOTOS: NHL player power rankings
Biggest disappointment: Minnesota Wild. Viewed as a team on the rise, the Wild are in danger of missing the playoffs. Goaltending has been an issue. Runner-up: Boston Bruins.
Biggest surprise: Rick Nash (Rangers). When Nash slumped during last season's playoffs, the read was he might be starting a career decline. Instead, Nash has soared, scoring 26 goals in his first 39 games. He has been a catalyst in the Rangers' strong play. Runner-up: Predators.
Favorite in Connor McDavid-Jack Eichel sweepstakes: Buffalo Sabres. The earlier 8-3 run proved they aren't tanking to land one of the generational prospects, but they clearly have the weakest roster. Runner-up: Edmonton Oilers.
Best free agent acquisition: Ryan Miller (Vancouver Canucks). His poise and mental toughness have had a stabilizing impact on his new team. Runner-up: Anton Stralman (Tampa Bay Lightning).
Critic's drama award: Toronto Maple Leafs, for their continuing soap opera. Much angst and teeth-gnashing over a team that isn't a primary Stanley Cup contender. Team President Brendan Shanahan has much work to do. Runner-up: Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock's contract extension saga.
Oddest story line: Mumps. You can't say the NHL outbreak is officially over yet, because we haven't gone a full two months without another case. Runner-up: Maple Leafs players deciding not to salute fans after a win.