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Although the 2008-2009 season ended in huge disappointment and frustration, the Boston Bruins came away winners in Las Vegas

The NHL Awards ceremony took place last night in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Boston Bruins departed feeling like they hit the jackpot.

Vezina Trophy

Tim Thomas beat out Niklas Backstrom (Wild) and Steve Mason (Blue Jackets) with 22 out of a possible 30 first place votes to win the Vezina Trophy (awarded to the best goaltender in the NHL).  Thomas was quite arguably the Bruins MVP during a memorable and dominating season posting 36-11-7 record, GAA 2.10, and save % of .933.  During his acceptance speech Thomas seemed not only humbled but also quite emotional about his path that has lead him to become one of the best goaltenders in the NHL.  “I’ve been more worried about getting my name on a roster, then I have about winning a Vezina Trophy.”  Thomas started off playing all around the world due to no team wanting to take a chance on him.  He signed a minor league contract with Boston in 2002-2003 until the lockout year.  When NHL play resumed during the 2005-2006 season, Thomas through much thought, re-signed with Boston and split time between Providence and Boston, eventually landing a permanent spot with the parent club.  It’s been his job ever since.  He was truly the best goaltender in the NHL during the 2008-2009 season.  He will look to back it up next season.

Norris Trophy

Zdeno Chara was finally recognized for his defensive dominance.  Chara beat out Mike Green (Capitals) and Nicklas Lidstrom (Red Wings) for the Norris Trophy (awarded to the top defenseman in the NHL).  The captain finished with 19-31-50 totals in 80 games.  He also finished with a + 23.  When the Bruins went against an offensive power (i.e. Ovechkin, Malkin, Crosby), it was Chara’s job to shut them down.  He embraced the challenge and more times than not, passed.  He is the best shut down defenseman in the NHL with that 6?9? frame, long reach, and those bone crunching hits.  Chara received over 1000 first place votes.

Jack Adams Award

Claude Julien beat out Andy Murray (STL) and Todd McLellan (SJS) for the Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year).  Julien in his second season in Boston, led his team to the Eastern Conference’s best record of 53-19-10 with 116 points.  Boston drew Montreal (again) in the first round of the playoffs and swept the Canadiens in true dominating fashion.  Boston eventually lost to Carolina in Game 7 in the semi finals.

Well deserved for all three winners.  Also not mentioned is Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez winning the Jennings Trophy (awarded to the best goaltending tandem to give up the least amount of goals).  Thomas and Chara were also named to the NHL All Stars Team.