Jonathan Huberdeau Named 2013 Calder Trophy Winner

As they approach their 20th season in the NHL, the Florida Panthers were treated to a franchise-first achievement on Saturday night as rookie sensation Jonathan Huberdeau was announced as this season’s Calder Trophy winner – the first time a Florida Panther has received this honor. Although their 2012-2013 season was marred by injuries and uninspired play, the Panthers found solace in the exceptional and exciting exploits of Huberdeau.

Panther Parkway Headlines: Game 2, NHL Awards, Alain Says No To Dallas, & Joey The Junior Reporter.

The drama of game one of the Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins has set the bar for the balance of the series.  A thrilling overtime victory by the Blackhawks in what is now the 5th longest Cup Final game in history, came after each team had numerous chances to score, but were thwarted either by a great defensive play, or a miraculous save from either Tuukka Rask or Corey Crawford.  The depth of the Blackhawks proved once again to be invaluable in this one, as players like Andrew “I Love Shinpads” Shaw scored the game winner from a shot by defenceman Michael Rozsival that went off Dave Bolland’s stick, then off of Shaw’s pad.  As teams exchanged chances well into the night, you could see the legs of the Bruins getting heavier and the conditioning of the Hawks taking over.  Meanwhile as I remained intensely calm, the noises coming from @LilMissRatTrick who sat at the opposite end of the sofa, changed their pitch with each and every missed opportunity. 

Neither team deserved to lose, but the Hawks who have been on a roll all season long got the “bounce” that good teams get when playing this way.  However, this is not to say that this series is lopsided by any stretch of the imagination.  Two very evenly matched teams that play different styles, yet have the ability to adapt when needed, will prove to make this series one for the ages.  The Bruins who might be without ex-Panther Nathan Horton who has a shoulder injury kept attacking, but gave up numerous shots.  In their defence, they also blocked almost as many.  The Hawks on the other hand seem to have another gear to shift into, and with such a long rest between games, could show that tonight.  The Hawks gave up their fair share of chances as well, but Corey Crawford who has been outstanding throughout the playoffs was once again, “Crawsome”.  Buckle up people.  The ride’s gonna be rough, but more than worth hanging on for.

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