Sassone's NHL predictions

Hart Trophy (MVP)

• Alexander Ovechkin

The Capitals' winger is a one-of-a-kind talent. He gets the nod over Sidney Crosby and Henrik Zetterberg.

Norris Trophy (best defenseman)

• Dion Phaneuf

Detroit's Niklas Lidstrom has won the award six times, and he might again, but times change and young guns such as Calgary's Phaneuf arrive. His time is now.

Art Ross Trophy (leading scorer)

• Alexander Ovechkin

An ankle injury to Sidney Crosby took him out of the race last season. He'll challenge Ovechkin right down to the last shot on goal.

Adams Trophy (coach of the year)

• Guy Carbonneau

Has anyone noticed that the Canadiens are pretty darn good and that this guy can coach a little?

Vezina Trophy (best goalie)

• Henrik Lundqvist

Three times the Rangers' goaltender has been nominated for the award, and it's about time he breaks through and wins it.

Calder Trophy (rookie of the year)

• Steve Stamkos

The Tampa Bay center is supposed to be a franchise player. Learning from Vinny Lecavalier should only help him succeed.

Richard Trophy (top goal scorer)

• Alexander Ovechkin

Make it a trophy hat trick for the one and only Ovechkin. He got 65 goals last year. Can he hit 70?

Comeback player of the year

• Martin Havlat

If he can stay healthy, watch Havlat have a huge year. Oh, and it's a contract year for the Hawks' winger. That always helps motivate.

On the hot seat

Many believe that the Blues' Andy Murray will be the first coach fired. But what if the Hawks start slowly? With expectations so high now, Denis Savard should be very worried, especially in light of the apparent reluctance of chairman Rocky Wirtz to extend his contract.

Stanley Cup Finals

Detroit over Montreal

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