With five players within three points entering the final weekend of the NHL season, this year's Art Ross race is wide open.
In this edition of the hotstove we'll predict which player will have the biggest weekend and finish up as the NHL's points leader.
Todd Cordell: John Tavares I would say Sidney Crosby because the Penguins are going to be playing a meaningful game against Buffalo, which means Crosby will likely go off.
That said, I'm going to go against the grain and say John Tavares. Depending on tonight's result he may not play in the season finale, but with tonight's game having meaning for the Isles, and the Penguins without Christian Ehrhoff, Kris Letang, Olli Maatta and now Derrick Pouliot, I would be less than surprised to see him record 2-3 points. That may be enough to get it done.
Ryan Wilson: Sidney Crosby Crosby has been playing some terrific hockey as of late and the Penguins are in no position to give him any time off even if they clinch a playoff berth.
Between injuries and their terrible cap situation they are only eligible to make emergency call ups. This should place Sidney Crosby in the lineup against Buffalo on Saturday night. Crosby has eight points in two games against Buffalo this year.
I believe it is between Crosby and Tavares. The caveat here is that Crosby cannot tie Tavares because JT has 36 goals compared to Sidney's 28. I still believe Sid will find a way. Not bad for a "down year".
Adam French: Sidney Crosby The easy money is on Crosby. With their playoffs on the line, two games and one against Buffalo, it's easy to think he's going to gain the lead. Benn only has one game remaining and depending on the result against the Penguins, Tavares might be shutdown for the last game of the season to not risk him getting injured despite being the hottest of the bunch.
I would love for Tavares to win the Art Ross. I think it would be a big boost in publicly showing what an elite forward he has become. Also it would help the boredom of Crosby winning it every time he's healthy. However I think Crosby ends up with it, simply because he's going to feast on Buffalo.
Tim Chiasson: Sidney Crosby It's going to come down to Tavares and Crosby because they have two games left each. Benn, Ovechkin and Voracek only have one left.
With equal games left and tied in the scoring race there's no chance where I bet against a healthy Sidney Crosby. He's the best player in the world. As much as I like seeing Crosby destroy the field, if only because he's Nova Scotian, it's always fun to have a tight race, especially with some new faces like Benn and Voracek. It's just too hard to bet against the best player in a tie game.
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