For as much as I would like to be wrong about the above, I just do not see it happening. It has been a foregone conclusion that Alex Ovechkin would take the Hart Trophy this season...at least that is what everyone in the know seems to think.

The amazing thing about the situation is that Malkin pretty much led the scoring race wire to wire and was instrumental in his team's success throughout the year. It took a huge game late in the season for the "experts" to start talking about him as a Hart Candidate and it was seemingly too little, too late. Most who held votes already had it in their minds that they were going to cast them for Ovechkin.

Though Malkin would love to win that Hart Trophy this evening, I do not think the disappointment will run all that deep if he does not. Finishing the season off the way he did and earning not only a Stanley Cup victory, but the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP will cushion the blow of coming up a bit short.

Also, do not think for an instant that Alex Ovechkin wouldn't trade tonight for the one the Penguins and Malkin had last Friday. Sure it is nice to be named the MVP of the first 82 games, but I dare you to find a player in the league that isn't playing this game to be named the MVP of the last 28 and to hoist that Stanley Cup.

Even with the potential to pick up another set of Hart and Lester B. Pearson Trophies looming, Ovechkin seemed a bit bitter in an interview with a Las Vegas reporter. Though he was quick to point out that having three Russians up for the MVP was a good thing.

"It's good for Russia hockey, for sure," AO told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Gone were the feel good vibes that were generated by Malkin and Ovechkin teaming up for the latter's antics during the All Star Game earlier this season.

"No, not along," he said when asked if the two were getting along. "I talk to Datsyuk, but not with Malkin.

"I don't want to talk about it, about him," the Review-Journal reported.

I suppose that there could be some sour grapes after having been eliminated by the Penguins earlier in the playoffs. However, I think it probably stems from the fact that in the debate about who is the best player in the NHL, the two other guys in the conversation got to the promised land first.

This all sets up to provide some interesting drama for the Russian Olympic team that will be playing for a Gold Medal in less than a year.

Quick Predictions:

Mind you, this isn't exactly who I would give each trophy too, it is how I see it playing out...

Hart - Alex Ovechkin

Lester B. Pearson - Alex Ovechkin

Jack Adams - Claude Julian

Lady Byng - Pavel Datsyuk

Selke - Pavel Datsyuk

Norris - Mike Green

Vezina - Tim Thomas

Calder - Steve Mason

Masterton - Richard Zednik (Almost dying beats being an old guy who still plays or a debilitating back injury, though I love Steve Sullivan)

Free Agency Rumor

Mark Madden of 105.9 the X in Pittsburgh is reporting that the Penguins have offered Ruslan Fedotenko a three year contract worth roughly $2.4 million per season.

I will say that I had been hearing some chatter about this situation and Tank was a priority for the team. They liked what he brought to the table and that he has the potential to be a big game performer. He also ended up finding some nice chemistry with Malkin and Max Talbot.

I did hear that the number that the Penguins were going to dangle was something in the neighborhood of what is being reported. I guess we will see if it is legit and if he is willing to take that deal.

I will keep you posted...

Coach Bylsma Gets Call From President

From news release...

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma received a call today from President Barack Obama, who congratulated Bylsma and the Penguins on winning the Stanley Cup.

“To hear from the President of the United States, and have him congratulate our team on this accomplishment, is such an incredible honor that I’m almost speechless,” Bylsma said. “President Obama is dealing with so many important issues facing the country and the world. It says a lot about him that he would take the time to place that call. It is a highlight I will never forget.”

* * * * *

Stay tuned for more following the Awards show this evening... and if you are lucky enough to be partying with the Stanley Cup this evening...well, in the immortal words of Christian Bale... "Oooooh gooood, gooood for you!"


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