The award is presented to the individual who is “recognized as a superior leader within their sport, and as a contributing member of society.” – courtesy of Wikipedia.

Messier himself will choose the winner and while the award is recognizing the player’s efforts to lead on the ice, the award also focuses on those players that provide a dedication to their local communities, activities and charity causes.

All three finalists are always mentioned when you hear about local charities or community events, it’s what makes these players’ leaders.

The award which was founded in 2006-07 was first presented to legendary defenseman Chris Chelios.  Mats Sundin, Jarome Iginla, Sidney Crosby, Zdeno Chara and Shane Doan have followed as the recipients of the award, making it a list of who’s who that take home the hardware.

Regardless of who wins the award this season, it’s another name that represents tremendous leadership around the game of hockey.  It’s also fitting that all three players are still playing in the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, reminding us all that they are true leaders that help their clubs perform at the highest level possible.

May the best man win.

Feb 13, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators center Jim O

Round two of the NHL Playoffs starts tonight. A 7:30 pm face-off is set for the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators. The Senators finished the regular season with a record of 25-17-6, that record was good for 7th overall in the Eastern Conference. The Senators earned the right to take on the second seeded Montreal Canadiens in the first round. Ottawa was able to beat the Canadiens in just five games (4-1). Pittsburgh ended the regular season with a record of 36-12-0.  The number one seed Penguins took on the eighth seeded New York Islanders in what turned out to be one of the top series in round one. The Penguins were able to crawl out of round one (4-2). This round two match-up should prove to be classic Playoff series. Pittsburgh beat the Senators three games to none during the regular season, but I’m not sure that this series will go the same way.

The Senators are a defensive team, they do not try to do too much. During the regular season the Sens had a goal differential of +12. The offensive style of the Penguins lead to a goal differential of +46. Pittsburgh had trouble playing the more physical Islanders, and they will be seeing more hard-hitting in your face play from the Senators. In order for the Penguins to move on to round three they will need to solve Craig Anderson. The Ottawa goal tender has been lights out. In a round one series victory Anderson put up MVP type numbers (GAA 1.80 SV% .950). Pittsburgh has the fire power needed to break through and light up the score board, but I am not sure they have the poise to wait for the openings to do it. If they can wait and they get solid goal tending from game one starter Tomas Vokoun  (GAA 1.41 SV% .957) the Pens should be able to go up 1-0 in the series. On the flip side if the Senators are going to continue their run  they will need to keep Pittsburgh’s big guns off the score board. Ottawa will need to use Anderson as a crutch. The Senators will also need timely scoring and a solid special teams effort to foil the Penguins hopes of advancing. If the Senators stay disciplined, and can keep the unnecessary penalties to a minimum they should win game one, and maybe the series.

Inside the Numbers Ottawa Senators  Goal Leader: Kyle Turris 3 Points Leader: Daniel Alfredsson 6 +/-: Daniel Alfredsson +6 Goal Tending: Craig Anderson, 4-1 ,GAA 1.80, SV% .950 PP: 24% 6 goals PK” 84.21% Pittsburgh Penguins Goal Leader: Pascal Dupuis 5 Points Leader: Evgeni Malkin 11 +/-: Paul Martin +5 Goal Tending:  Tomas Vokoun, 2-0, GAA 1.41, SV% .957 Marc-Andre Fleury, 2-2, GAA 3.40, SV% .891 PP: 33.33% 7 goals PK: 90%

This series should come down to which team is able to play their game. If the Senators can sit back and close off the neutral zone, and keep Pittsburgh at bay they should be able to drag out a series win. However if the Penguins play Pens hockey and can skate and find space this series will go to the Penguins.

Prediction: I’m going to go out on a limb, and take the Senators in 7 games. After watching the Penguins have trouble with the Islanders; it seems to me that Ottawa should be able to wear down the battle tested Penguins.

Side Note: Something to think about. As if a playoff series needs more hype; the Senators have a bit of revenge to deal with. On February 13 Matt Cooke took out Senators star Erik Karlsson. The hit tore 70% of  Karlsson’s Achilles tendon . After missing 31 games due to the injury Karlsson showed little rust in round one putting up 6 points ( 1 G, 5 A)

The most interesting rumor about Philadelphia is from TSN’s Darren Dreger who thinks that Jaromir Jagr coming back to the Flyers to help Claude Giroux seems to make sense. Unfortunately Jagr wouldn’t solve any of the teams other problems.

Feb 21, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; New York Rangers right wing Marian Gaborik (10) controls the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. The Senators defeated the Rangers 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Pierre LeBrun said on ESPN.com that the New York Rangers are interested in Dan Boyle of the San Jose Sharks. Boyle still has another year left on his contract so he would not be considered a rental player. The Rangers are also looking to move Marian Gaborik. Darren Dreger said that multiple teams have inquired about Gaborik but the price is high.

The St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings have expressed interest in Jay Bouwmeester, but it will take a huge offer for the Calgary Flames to move Bouwmeester according to Pierre LeBrun.

LeBrun also talked about the Ottawa Senators. Since they are doing well Daniel Alfredsson has been taken off the trade block. He also said that the Senators were considering moving UFA Sergei Gonchar but since he’s been playing so well and with all the injuries plaguing the Senators, it is unlikely that Gonchar will be moved.

LeBrun also discussed Derek Roy. Apparently contract talks between Roy and the Dallas Stars have not been going well, which means it is possible he will be moved. The Anaheim Ducks are looking for a number 2 center and with Stephen Weiss injured they have shown interest in Roy.

Michael Russo of the Star Tribune talked to Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher who said Niklas Backstrom and Matt Cullen are not on the trading block:

 “Oh God, no,” said General Manager Chuck Fletcher. “Backy’s been outstanding. He’s our No. 1 goalie. Cullen’s been a big part of our team. That’s the type of guy every team in the league wants to add for a playoff run.”

Let’s finish things off with the Detroit Red Wings who according to Ansar Khan of MLive are interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Drew Stafford. Stafford’s salary may cause a problem however when they try to re-sign Valtteri Filppula.