2011-12 Kocur Award: TKO or KO of the Year

[NJDevils17]

Nominees

Arron Asham KO's Jay Beagle -- Oct 13, 2011
After the injury plagued season the Penguins experienced last year, they became very sensitive about anyone taking liberties with their star players. Jay Beagle missed that memo. After pushing Kris Letang around, Arron Asham comes in to settle the score. Beagle makes a huge mistake as the fight took two punches; they weren't Beagle's punches. Beagle woke up with a swollen face, missing teeth, and a concussion for his troubles.
Arron Asham clobbers Jay Beagle

Eric Boulton TKO's Douglas Murray -- Oct 21, 2011
Douglas Murray does the right thing by sticking up for his defensive partner, Dan Boyle after being run. However, Murray bites off a little more than he could chew with noted tough guy Eric Boulton. Boulton makes quick work of Murray in a short bout.
Eric Boulton drops Douglas Murray

Wayne Simmonds KO's Eric Brewer -- Dec 27, 2011
Since joining the Philadelphia Flyers, Wayne Simmonds seems to be fighting more and fighting better. This is best put on display in this bout against Eric Brewer. A good, long fight that ends with a monster uppercut from Simmonds.
Wayne Simmonds clocks Eric Brewer

Ilya Kovalchuk TKO's Brayden Schenn -- Feb 4, 2012
The oddity. A fight between a top prospect and a Russian superstar. Brayden Schenn must have underestimated Ilya Kovalchuk due to his heritage, but the big Russian showed his strength by rag-dolling Schenn before connecting with a huge right.
Ilya Kovalchuk smokes Brayden Schenn

Brandon Bollig TKO's Jordin Tootoo -- Mar 25, 2012
Jordin Tootoo was very anxious for this one with the false start on the face-off. He wishes he didn't drop the gloves as the young rookie Brandon Bollig showed why John Scott was expendable in Chicago. A nice uppercut ends this one.
Brandon Bollig drops Jordin Tootoo


My Pick

Some very good nominations this year, but Arron Asham's KO of Jay Beagle was just way too devastating as well as massive compared to any of the other nominees. That gets my vote.

Past Winners

2003-04: Matt Johnson KOs Andrew Peters
2005-06: Derek Boogaard KOs Trevor Gillies
2006-07: Colton Orr KOs Todd Fedoruk
2007-08: Daniel Carcillo KOs Krys Barch
2008-09: Wade Belak TKOs Donald Brashear
2009-10: Evander Kane puts Matt Cooke to sleep
2010-11: Steve MacIntyre KO's Raitis Ivanans

[MattBurger]

For the celebration alone, I'm going with Asham's KO of Beagle.

[DuaneSutter]

Look no further than Asham walking the dog. Beagle looked like he got hit square in the jaw with a cinder block.

[kam]

Asham all the way, it's the only KO on the list. I don't think Brewer was a real KO where as Beagles ass was out.

[Solution77]

you mean the Rob Ray Award?
he's 4x more KOs and TKOs than Kocur does...

[kmd19]

Going with Asham all day. Only true KO of the year. I didn't like his antics after the fight (and the stick tapping shows he probably regretted them as well), but beggers can't be choosers.

[smashem]

Ashams

[Viper207]

I went with Kovalchuk, just because it was so unexpected.

[slashtrey]

Voted for Asham but also loved Kovy's solid TKO on Schenn.

[BullyFan]

Asham cuz the celebration was bad ass

[Travis24]

I have to go with the one actual knockout. Easy choice.

[Isles4life]

Always a lot of entertaining to watch all of these nominees as well, but Asham-Beagle was just so devastating that the award should be no contest this year.

[dg33garcia]

Asham, no question.... gets style points for the victory dance to the box.

[Blues 34]

Asham over Beagle for me

[Redzilla]

Asham!