Quote:
Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda
Stone will win the Calder. NHL awards voting always weighs the 2nd half of the season much heavier than the first, and while Gaudreau had the most consistent season no one tore it up down the stretch more than Stone. The only way Gaureau would have had a shot would have been to win the rookie scoring title, but with Stone taking that on the last day in a crucial game to clinch a playoff spot it likely cemented him in
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Don't think it's that simple. Aside from the half month of April, their second halfs were pretty similar. And a lot of minds may have been made up before then.
As Mackenzie just demonstrated with the Norris vote, it's about narrative. Johnny has: size, ASG appearance, 2 rookie of the month (Stone has none), eastern US background, college fame, and a cool nickname.
Stone may well win it based on his finish. But it's not going to be as automatic as you suggest. There will also be lots of Ekblad votes, and that's eastern team v. eastern team as well.