Quick hits
Evgeni Malkin started his off-season workout early this year, walking up to the stage three times at the NHL Awards last night to pick up some hardware. Malkin took home the Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP), the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player) and the Art Ross Trophy (scoring leader).
Former Michigan Wolverine Max Pacioretty was the only Michigan connection that won an award. He received the Bill Masterton Trophy (perseverance and dedication to the game).
The Red Wings will open their 2012-13 season Oct. 12 at home against Nashville—the same team that ended their 2012 playoff run.
The University of Michigan also announced its 2012-13 schedule today, which will begin Oct. 11 at home against the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Highlight reel
If you missed it, here is one of Will Arnett’s skits imitating Brendan Shanahan, head of the NHL’s department of player’s safety, during the NHL Awards Show last night.
Outside the Mitten
Flyers forward Claude Girioux will appear on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 13. He beat out Pekka Rinne of the Predators in a tournament style format voted on by the fans.
Henrik Lundqvist failed to beat out Malkin for MVP, but he did capture the Vezina Trophy for top goaltender.
Other NHL Award winners include Erik Karlsson (Norris), Gabriel Landeskog (Calder), Patrice Bergeron (Selke) and Ken Hitchcock (Jack Adams).
Check it out
Also from the NHL Awards, Tracy Morgan appears in a skit as a member of the New York Rangers in HBO’s 24/7.
Next up
The NHL draft kicks off tomorrow in Pittsburgh with a number of Michigan connections expected to be selected. Check out some of the prospects we highlighted here.