Number23

"Don't EVER play 'Lady of Spain' AGAIN!!!!"

I get that a lot. • United States • 42 Years Old • Male

Masterton Nominees: The EAST

Part Two of a three-part series.

Here are my nominees from each team for this year's Masterton Trophy.

This does not mean that I think each has an equal shot at the trophy, just that each is the most deserving from his team.

The East

Atlanta--Mark Recchi
Many doubted he had anything left when waived by the Penguins. For Atlanta, he's brought the same effort he has for his entire career.

Boston--Tim Thomas
His long and winding road to the NHL finally paid off to the tune of an All-Star appearance.

Buffalo--Teppo Numminen
His heart and the "heart" of the Sabres are not too far separated.

Carolina--Sergei Samsonov
Left for dead by everyone, resurrected in Carolina.

Florida--Richard Zednik
About a week after the accident, the guy was already eating Buffalo Wings!

Montreal--Patrice Brisebois
A resurgence in a place no one thought he could return to.

New Jersey--Colin White
Long-time rugged defenseman (like previous winner K.Daneyko) overcoming an eye injury (like previous winner B.Berard).

NY Islanders--Wade Dubielewicz
How can you not dig Dubie?

NY Rangers--Brendan Shanahan
Not only for his years of service, but for his work in getting the league back on the ice after the lockout.

Ottawa--Luke Richardson
Signed a two-way contract, but has become a significant contributor. A warrior on the ice, and a solid citizen off it.

Philadelphia--Sami Kapanen
From the heavily YouTubed hit from D.Tucker, to a puck in the face this year, to being placed on defense; he just keeps giving it everything. As always.

Pittsburgh--Ty Conklin
Who saw that coming?

Tampa Bay--Chris Gratton
Much maligned in many cities, but has carved out a nice little career for himself.

Toronto--Jason Blake
There's a precdent here (think M.Lemieux, J.Cullen, S.Koivu, and P.Kessel).

Washington--Chris Clark
Has more scar tissue than original parts, but keeps battling.


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UP NEXT: My Western Conference Nominees
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