
Article content material
The record of Girl Byng Award winners is lengthy and distinguished.
Nonetheless, in 100 years since inception of the award, solely six defenceman have captured the Girl Byng. Bobby Orr, Brian Leetch, Paul Coffey and Gary Suter aren’t on that record. Quinn Hughes may very well be if the Vancouver Canucks captain continues to test the containers for being a main instance with a respectful and resilient method wherein he approaches each recreation.

On Tuesday in Anaheim, Hughes had three assists, three photographs and 10 makes an attempt in a 5-1 triumph to succeed in one other notable plateau by reaching 300 profession assists in 376 video games. Solely Orr (348) and Leetch (368) have finished it faster.
“He clearly controls numerous the play. A particular participant and he will get numerous photographs off and that’s laborious to do when groups are keying on you,” stated Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet. “I’m not shocked. He’s a pleasure to educate and all the time tries to work on his recreation. That’s what I really like about him.”
Slavin had 37 factors final season (6-31) and simply eight penalty minutes. In 2020-21, he had 15 factors (3-12) and only one minor. And since the award all the time acknowledges the power to play laborious and honest — particularly blueliners who’re all the time within the crosshairs of forecheckers — Hughes has an early leg up on his friends.
Hughes can also be the get-out-jail-free card with zone exits to set off the transition. His high pace this season has been clocked at 21.94 miles per hour (35.30 kph), in comparison with a league common of 21.5 mph. And his vastly improved and heavier shot has hit 92.70 mph (149.18 kph), exceeding the NHL common of 86.38 mph.
Hughes is aware of factors and accolades are a product of will and talent and devotion to a complete staff recreation. He’ll be laborious pressed to match a profession 92 factors final season (17-75) that earned the Norris Trophy, however that’s okay.
“My objective isn’t the Norris, it’s the method,” careworn Hughes. “If I’m competing and attacking the way in which I would like each recreation, good issues will occur. Consistency is the signal of an important participant.”
It’s an essential a part of the image, however power, stamina and resolve to play laborious and clear is a uncommon trait. It’s solely pure to answer a heavy hit, and particularly an affordable shot, with a slash or crosscheck.
Hughes had 10 assists in 13 playoffs video games final spring as groups took time and house away. He’s a goal once more this marketing campaign however higher outfitted to deal with scrutiny.
He was doubled-teamed by the Nashville Predators within the opening spherical of the playoffs final spring and absorbed heavy hits alongside the endboards.
The sequence reached a painful level in Sport 5. Hughes was pounded within the defensive zone by Anthony Beauvillier after which jammed up laborious between forecheckers Jason Zucker and Colton Sissons. He winced and was doubled over in discomfort and missed his subsequent shift.
“I felt adequate to play my finest and that’s what I attempted to do,” he stated of additional consideration. It was a focus for them (opposition) to be bodily and fast, and you need to discover a method to make that one additional play.
“I assumed for probably the most half, we did a extremely good job of that all through the playoffs, but it surely didn’t get us over the (second spherical) hump.”
That’s Girl Byng stuff.

Canucks assistant coach Adam Foote has an appreciation of Hughes. Foote received two Stanley Cups with Colorado as a giant and imposing presence on the again finish. His No. 52 jersey was retired by the Avalanche, and that might occur to Hughes in Vancouver due to the work he places in daily.
“They’re going after him (Hughes) and they need to. It’s a must to make it laborious going again for pucks, and he’s been interested by that and we’re going to work on it.”
Discover more from PulseMediaAfrica
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.