While the race to the NHL Playoffs is proving more exciting by the day, the race to be named MVP and earn the Hart Trophy is heating up. Three players remain as the top options to be named the league's best. Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin have separated themselves from the pack and as the regular season comes to a close in the next week, one player will have to win.
Ovechkin did his best to prove he prove he is the MVP as he led the Washington Capitals to a convincing win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Overchkin put himself into the MVP discussions after scoing 18 goals in 16 games to bring his team from dead last in the Southeast Division to now one of the Eastern Conference's best teams. He scored his league leading 28th goal Tuesday night, something that makes his head coach believe he is the best man to be named MVP.
"I'm obviously very biased about that, so my answer would be 'Yup, absolutely,'" Adam Oates said.
At the end of the season, the debate will be whether it should be Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby. Crosby obviously is at a bit of a disadvantage. After taking a puck to the face and breaking his jaw, he will miss the remainder of the regular season and is still unknown for the playoffs. However, he put in enough work during the first part of the season to keep his name in the race.
Crosby currently has 56 points in 36 games, including 15 goals. Ovechkin has 48 points in 43 games, with his 28 goals. Crosby still leads the pack for the Hart Trophy, but Ovechkin is creeping up on him. The fact that the Capitals and the Penguins are both two of the top teams helps these two players stay on top and in contention for the award. Pittsburgh is currently the best in the Eastern Conference while Washington sits in third, 14 points behind the Penguins.
Steven Stamkos is the additional player in MVP contention. Stamkos has 27 goals and 53 points in 43 games played. He sits in second in the point's race just behind Crosby. The Tampa Bay Lightning are currently eliminated from the playoff race which could eliminate Stamkos from the MVP discussion.
Ultimately, it will be either Crosby or Ovechkin holding up the Hart Trophy at the end of the season. If Ovechkin can keep the momentum in the final week of the regular season, he may pull ahead of the injured Crosby.
