Malkin named NHL's most valuable player

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LAS VEGAS, June 20 (UPI) -- Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins was named the NHL's most valuable player Wednesday at the league's annual awards banquet.

Malkin was announced in Las Vegas as the winner of both the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award, which go to the MVP as voted on by writers and players.

He led the league with 109 points on 50 goals and 59 assists. Malkin became the first player in 13 years to lead the second-place finisher by at least 10 points.

The St. Louis duo of General Manager Doug Armstrong and Coach Ken Hitchcock claimed the top honors in their job categories.

Armstrong made a coaching change after the Blues got off to a 6-7 start and Hitchcock came on to lead St. Louis to a 45-15-11 record. St. Louis set a team record for wins and points and reached the Western Conference semifinals before falling to eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles.

The Kings, who were dominant in their march to the NHL title after finishing as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, were shut out in the league's top honors.

Other prominent award winners announced Wednesday:

-- Vezina Trophy (best goaltender): Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers.

-- Norris Trophy (best defenseman): Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators.

-- Calder Trophy (best rookie): Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche.

-- Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship): Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers.

-- Selke Trophy (best defensive forward): Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins.

-- Masterson Trophy (best comeback ): Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens.