The Jack Adams is voted on by NHL broadcasters. Barber took over for fired coach Craig Ramsay on Dec. 10 and went 31-13-7-3 (officially 31-16-7, since the league for some reason doesn't break out the overtime losses in listing coaches' records, although there are four categories in the standings).
The Vezina is voted by NHL general managers. Cechmanek, too old at 30 to win the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year, had the lowest goals-against (2.01) of any NHL starting goalie. He was 35-15-6 with a .921 save percentage and recorded 10 shutouts, the most by any first-year Flyers goalie.
Barber would become the first Flyers Jack Adams winner since Mike Keenan (1985). Other Flyers coaches to win the honor are Fred Shero (1974) and Pat Quinn (1980).
Cechmanek would become the first Flyers Vezina winner since Ron Hextall (1987). Pelle Lindbergh (1985) and Bernie Parent (1974 and '75) are the other Flyers Vezina winners.
"I'm very thrilled, obviously," Barber said yesterday. "The other two men I'm in here with, it's quite an honor to even be put in that category."
Cechmanek could not be reached for comment.
Asked about the goalie's contribution, Barber said: "Our success leaned heavily on him. . .He deserves this award, in my opinion." *
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