Building is a process...

...and there are milestones and landmarks along the way of which to take note. The naming of finalists for league awards is one such measure.

While the Stanley Cup tournament proceeds, the Caps and Caps fans can take pride and pleasure in seeing some of their own recognized for their accomplishments this season – accomplishments that suggest there are great things ahead for this franchise…




Nicklas Backstrom – Calder Memorial Trophy Finalist (rookie of the year)







Alexander Ovechkin – Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist (most valuable player), Lester B. Pearson Award Finalist (outstanding player), Art Ross Trophy winner (top scorer), Maurice Richard Trophy winner (top goal scorer)








Bruce Boudreau – Jack Adams Award Finalist (top coach)









Quintin Laing – Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominee (perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey)






Mike Green -- Although there is no memorial award for the achievement (call it the Ray Bourque award (410 career goals) or the Paul Coffey Award (48 goals in a single season), Green led all NHL defensemen in goals scored.








Karl Alzner -- Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (WHL Player of the Year), Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (WHL Defenseman of the Year), WHL nominee for CHL Player of the Year




The disappointment of a season ended too early can be soothed somewhat by the promise for the future that such recognition suggests. Congratulations to all.