Fan In Van

Who’s Got Hart?!

Mid-March is probably the best time to start making nominations for the NHL’s Hart Trophy, which goes to the regular season’s most valuable player. In essence, without this player on his team, the team simply does not go. This player characterizes the “heart” (Pun intended) and soul of the team.

Alexander Ovechkin - Let’s kick it off by saying this: Ovechkin is on pace to become the first player in ten years to score 60 goals in a season; the last players to accomplish the feat were Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, and that’s some pretty high-class company. He has had three hat tricks this season, including two four-goal games. The big, fat contract he received this season may make him a Capital for life, but my gut feeling is telling me that there aren’t too many Washington fans complaining about that. He’s currently the leading scorer and the life force of the NHL while Sidney Crosby has been injured.

Evgeni Malkin - When Sidney Crosby went down with his illustrious high ankle sprain, a lot of people declared the Penguins were lost without their MVP for a long period of time. But Malkin has emerged from the shadows of the NHL’s top player and has carried the Penguins on his back, managing to force himself into Hart consideration with 40+ goals and on pace for a 100 point campaign. Malkin, who went #2 to Ovechkin in the 2004 draft, has made it an interesting race for the Art Ross as he continues to battle with Ovechkin.

Martin Brodeur - Don’t look now but Martin Brodeur has put up yet another spectacular 40+ win season. The 40+ wins are only the 7th time in his 14-year career that Brodeur has done it, and the third straight year he’s hit 40 wins. You know, a lot of people claim Roberto Luongo is the best goaltender in the world, but Brodeur, though 35, is showing that he is still capable of carrying a team on his shoulders. Once again, Brodeur has managed to string together another handful of shutouts, goosing four teams this year.

Matt’s Hart Trophy Winner: Alexander Ovechkin

The honourable mentions…

Evgeni Nabokov - Nabokov emerged this season as a top three goaltender whether some of you want to agree or not. Aside from Brodeur, Nabokov is the only other goaltender with 40+ wins. He’s already smashed his previous career-high of 37 and is on pace for 47. And for those of you who believe he’s only been winning games because of the team playing in front of him, Nabokov has registered six shutouts this season and has a new career-best of 2.13GAA. Nabokov, this season, has placed himself on a pedestal with Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist.

Nicklas Lidstrom - Lidstrom has had yet another superb season, and despite missing six games this season with a sprained knee, has still put a fantastic 62 points and has an NHL-best 39+ rating. The fact Lidstrom still hasn’t won a Hart trophy is still a head scratcher.

Roberto Luongo - While he certainly has been unable to duplicate the year he put together last season, Luongo is still the knife that spreads the butter on the Canucks’ bread, the man who provides the wins and the one who has kept his team in games they had no business being in. Luongo had a career-best three straight shutouts in November, breaking the old Canuck record.

Didn’t make the cut…

Jarome Iginla - Was an MVP candidate at the half but has endured some serious goal scoring slumps in the second half, including a ten-game goalless drought in January. Iggy has lacked the normal pop he normally has in the last stages of the season, perhaps from the hardship of demanding Iron Mike.

Pascal Leclaire - Had his team been in the playoff picture, this would’ve been a no brainer. Leclaire has compiled an impressive nine shutouts on a sub-par Columbus team and has certainly found his game after struggling with injuries over the last few years. However, “Pazzy” did not stay healthy all season and to garner serious consideration must stay healthy.

Henrik Lundqvist - To be honest, Lundqvist has put up very respectable numbers. Nine shutouts, 32+ wins, all indicate respectable Hart consideration. But Lundqvist is now being paid like a Hart winner and on a Rangers team with a lot of talent should be able to make key stops. Lundqvist has let in some lousy goals this year.