Todd Cordell
I'm going to go against the grain a bit and say Sidney Crosby.
He didn't put up as many points as Patrick Kane overall, however, he posted similar numbers at even-strength despite starting 13% fewer of his shifts in the offensive zone and taking on tougher assignments.
At 5 v 5 the Penguins controlled 55% of the shot attempts, 56% of the scoring chances and 59% of the goals with Crosby on the ice.
With Kane on the ice at 5 v 5 the Blackhawks controlled 51.8% of the shot attempts, 49.4% of the scoring chances and 55% of the goals.
Crosby came out above in all three categories and, again, played tougher minutes in the process.
James Tanner My pick for the Hart is Alex Ovechkin. He scored 50 goals. Sure Patrick Kane had more points, but OV is the far more complete player in terms of checking, playing defense, etc.
The Capitals had one of the best regular seasons of any team ever and their best player deserves the Hart.
And, whether it's appropriate or not doesn't matter because I don't have a real vote, I pick Ovechkin because he's a better guy and a better representative of the league. I don't want the MVP to be Patrick Kane, it doesn't make the league look good at all. Please don't get mad here if you disagree, because if you do, that's your prerogative. I have no issues with anyone saying he is the league MVP, but I wouldn't vote for him, especially when there's a guy who scored 50 goals and whose team was superior.
Peter Tessier Even though nothing came about and the circumstance have nothing to do with the criteria for winning the Hart trophy I take Kane off my list. Right or wrong that's how I feel.
So between Benn and Crosby it's close and not just from stats. Dallas was a hot team all the way through the season while Crosby and the Penguins struggled at times until they turned the corner in January and then were the best team in hockey.
If the award were simply for points then Kane would win it but think of it this way- had Crosby not gotten hot and returned to 'Sid-ness' would the Penguins be where they are now?
It's a chicken and egg question and one that will be split down the middle amongst fans. In an era that has players emerging and teams beginning to rise up from the bottom Jamie Benn has been that valuable and he should be a winner, just not this year.
Crosby.
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