Montreal Canadiens: Are Price’s Trophies Irrelevant?

Jun 23, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; A detailed view of signage during a press conference in advance of the 2015 NHL Awards at MGM Grand. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Montreal Canadiens: Are Price’s Trophies Irrelevant?

Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price was a big winner, capturing three trophies at the NHL Awards on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. It was a huge night for the goalie who captured the attention of many, not just those who knew him before.

I began to see detractors on social media. Those who practically gloated that the “real” prize is the Stanley Cup. That his trophies are but consolation prizes that mean nothing if you don’t have the Cup.

At first, I thought they were the jealous fans of teams who had either not made playoffs, or who will attempt to rile up Habs fans just because it’s the Thing To Do.

But I saw Habs fans who posted similar sentiments. That the trophies are nice but mean nothing.

If that were true, why are the Awards held at all?

There is a difference between the Stanley Cup and the NHL Awards. Let’s examine that.

The Cup is won in competition. The Cup is the result of 4 rounds of playoffs, in which the best teams challenge each other to eliminate all opponents but one. And in which the two best teams in the NHL battle for the ultimate prize.

The Cup is won on the ice, using skill, talent, strength, teamwork, and perhaps incorporating some luck as well.

The Cup is won by those doing what they do not just for a living, as a career, but that which is their passion.

There is no question that the team hoisting the Stanley Cup each year is the team that has earned its glory.

Is winning the Stanley Cup really the ultimate prize? As a player, yes. In hockey, playing 82 regular-season games and winning the best-of-7 playoff games, in 4 rounds against 4 different teams, in a short period, yes. Winning the Stanley Cup is every team’s goal, every player’s dream.

But the NHL Awards are different.

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