So, the NHL season is winding down and playoffs are about to begin. With the regular season awards conversation in full swing surprisingly most of the usual candidates are not being thrown around for the Hart Memorial trophy, or the MVP of the National Hockey League. Due to Crosby's injury, Malkin's injury, Ovechkin's dismal, assist laden season new players must be nominated for this award. Of course Stamkos is the absolute favorite, with the Sedin twins in the mix, and a possible goalie being discussed such as Timmy T from Boston or Flower out of Pittsburgh (long shot). However, I believe that this season's true most valuable player to his team in this league is Jonathan Toews. This is not the points trophy, as it has been confused with in recent years. The MVP of the league, for their team does not necessarily lead every stat category. Maybe for their team, but not for the league. Being a most valuable player includes a solid two way game, intense play all around, and most importantly, actually helping their team. The Capitals were going to be in the playoffs anyways when Ovi won the award, and not just because of him (Semin, Backstrom, Knuble, Green etc.). The Blackhawks had an absolute firesale in the offseason where due to a tight salary cap they needed to trade or not resign some of their best players. These players included Byfuglien, Ladd, Versteeg, and surprise goalie Niemi. If Ovi lost that team around him he would likely have a tough time rallying his players to make another regular season run and make the playoffs. Without Toews' leadership, GWG's, shooting %, faceoff %, and his all around clutch play the Blackhawks would not be sitting in the 7th seed right now, an amazing feat for an almost brand new team out there on the ice. Yeah P Kane and Duncan Keith are phenomenal contributors but to recover from losing so many great role players that helped them win a Stanley Cup it requires far more than just a statistical powerhouse. If the Blackhawks go deep into the playoffs it will be because of the poise and composure of their captain and future Hart Memorial Trophy winner, Jonathan Toews. (I do realize that Stamkos will win the MVP, I just believe that the MVP has not become what it was supposed to be. The NHL already has the Art Ross trophy for most points in a season.)
Bryz will breeze to the Vezina. Although a netminder, I'd put him in the running for the Hart, too.
ReplyDeleteI am not a big follower of the NHL but i have to agree with you when you say "Being a most valuable player includes a solid two way game, intense play all around, and most importantly, actually helping their team." I have to agree after reading your post that Jonathan Toews should be the MVP this year.
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