2009 Hart Memorial Trophy Nominees
Russian Players are Leading the Way for Hart Candidates
The Hart Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the "player adjudged most valuable to his team" in the NHL, not necessarily who has the most points or the best player in the league. The 2008/2009 Hart Memorial Trophy candidates should be:
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
2008/2009 Stats to date: 49 goals, 90 points, +9
With the Capitals only 5 points out of first place in the Eastern Conference, and with Ovechkin having 8 more goals than his closest competitor, it’s hard to argue against the reigning Hart Trophy winner. Ovechkin is a force on the ice that makes him almost impossible to defend on most nights. He is well on his way to having his 3rd career 50-goal season in only his 4th year in the league and is tied for the league lead in game winning goals with Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks – both have 10.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
2008/2009 Stats to date: 32 goals, 102 points
Selected 2nd overall in the 2004 entry draft, behind Ovechkin, Malkin has transformed his game from support for Sidney Crosby to the go-to sniper in Pittsburgh. Malkin has is second consecutive 100+ point season locked up and with 5 points in his last two games, Malkin is one of the main reasons the Penguins are quickly moving up the standings in the East. He plays centre, left wing and even defense on most Pittsburgh power plays, netting 12 power play goals to date. Malkin is currently a +19 and leads his team is average ice time, clocking just under 23 minutes a game.
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
2008/2009 Stats to date: 30 wins, 2.12 GAA, 0.93 save percentage
This hockey journeyman has seen, done and played it all. Drafted initially in 1994 by the Quebec Nordiques, it took Thomas 12 years to find his way to the National Hockey League. Now that he’s here and in just his second full season as the Bruins starting goalie, Thomas leads the league in goals against average and in save percentage and is a key component to Boston leading the Eastern Conference for the majority of the season.
Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets
2008/2009 Stats to date: 29 wins, 2.25 GAA, .0918 save percentage, 9 shout-outs
The only rookie in this class, Mason is a lock for rookie of the year and has a chance of capturing the Vezina trophy as well. Although a long shot for the Hart trophy, Mason should definitely be given a good look come voting time. Mason leads the league with 9 shout-outs and Columbus is poised to make the playoffs for the first time in the franchise’s 9 year history. Since winning the starting job over now-traded Pascal Leclaire, Mason has proven his worth in the NHL as a clear cut #1 goalie. He may not win the Hart this year, but something tells me he will one day.
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