The Hart Race: A Bold Prediction

PuckDaddy recently did an update about the race for the Hart Trophy, and specifically listed 5 players as mainstream runners for the award. These players were Ovechkin, Crosby, Miller, H. Sedin, and Bryzgalov. Stamkos and Parise were fringe nominees.

Really? Stamkos as a fringe nominee? Sure Tampa Bay is pretty much eliminated from playoff contention, but the only reason they are in the playoff conversation and not the lottery pick conversation is Stamkos. He's resurrected St. Louis' career, and made a hell of a player out of Steve Downie. He gets more ice time than Lecavalier, has 5 times as many power play goals as Lecavalier, took the pressure off of Vinny, and while he's led the team to playoff contention has all but eliminated any talk of Lecavalier trade rumors. All in his second season at the ripe young age of 20.

It is definitely hurting him that he only has 4 game winning goals for his team, which is good for third on the squad. But there's no way for me to check how many game winning goals he was on the ice for. I'd bet it's more than anyone else on the team.

He is the most valuable person on his team, and at 20 years old, it's going to draw some favorable season's ending votes. Maybe he won't win, but he's my top choice. Sorry Ov.