"Could the Olympics play a role in that? Please recall in 2009-10 that Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller won the Vezina Trophy in the same season he backstopped Team USA to an overtime loss in the gold medal round at the Vancouver Games. It's not that Miller was an unworthy winner in what was his most dominant NHL season. But it's hard to ignore his margin of victory (23 out of 30 first-place votes from the general managers) and not think there was an Olympic halo effect."
"Welcome to the NHL Awards Watch for February. We've polled a wide selection of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters anonymously to get a sense of where the wind is blowing for the current leaders. We've made sure it's a cross section from the entire league, trying to gain as many perspectives as possible. Keep in mind that the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng finalists, broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams, and general managers handle the Vezina. All stats are from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey. (editor's note: statistics are through games on Feb. 3)"
The NHL awards picture has come into sharp focus as the Winter Olympic break arrives, with clear leaders for some trophies and top-three contenders for others. Most races still allow time for players to change outcomes, with one notable exception. Olympic performances can influence award perception, as Ryan Miller's 2009-10 Vezina win followed Team USA's silver-medal run and showed a potential Olympic halo effect. A wide, anonymous poll of PHWA voters was conducted to gauge current voting tendencies. Voting responsibilities vary by award: PHWA for many trophies, broadcasters for Jack Adams, and general managers for the Vezina. Statistics are current through Feb. 3.
Read at ESPN.com
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