NHL Awards: Predicting The 2014-2015 Winners

NHL Awards: The Lady Byng

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The three finalists for the Lady Byng are three very classy forwards. This one should be a close race. Again, the three nominees are Pavel Datsyuk, Anze Kopitar and Jiri Hudler.

Anze Kopitar showed great sportsmanship this year in the NHL. He played in 79 games and wound up with 64 points while playing over 19 minutes a night. He only had 10 penalty minutes all season and he is generally respected as one of the class acts in the NHL.

Jiri Hudler had an outstanding season for the Calgary Flames. He led the Flames to a highly improbable postseason birth with 76 points (31 goals and 45 assists) in 78 games. He had a plus/minus of 17 and only had 14 penalty minutes. Hudler is an underrated player and it’s great to see him getting some recognition, even if it is with a nomination for a mostly irrelevant award.

Pavel Datsyuk has to be considered the favorite for the Lady Byng. He has already won the award four times. This season, he had 65 points (26 goals and 39 assists) in 63 games. He only had eight penalty minutes all season long.

Our ballot:

1. Datsyuk
2. Kopitar
3. Hudler

This is certainly a huge step forward from allowing a player who demanded a trade from his team because he was snubbed from his country’s Olympic hockey team to be nominated for the award.

Next: The Selke

2014-2015 NHL Awards: The Selke

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Selke Trophy goes to the best defensive forward in the NHL. Will Patrice Bergeron win it once again? Or can Toews or Kopitar unseat him?

Jonathan Toews captained the Chicago Blackhawks all the way to their third Stanley Cup with Toews as their captain. He led the way as the Hawks allowed the fewest goals in the NHL. He also led the NHL in plus/minus with an impressive +30.

Anze Kopitar had an incredible +359 Corsi differential at even strength, the best in the NHL. Among those with at least 1000 minutes played at even strength, Kopitar had the second lowest Corsi Against/60 minutes at even strength (43.77). He also led the NHL among forwards with at least 1000 minutes at even strength with a CorsiFor% of 59.22%.

Patrice Bergeron had yet another stellar defensive year, even with the Bruins missing the playoffs. It sure wasn’t Bergeron’s fault. He had the fourth highest even strength CF% among NHL forwards with at least 1000 minutes at even strength (58.16%). He had the sixth fewest Corsi events against (825). He also had the sixth lowest CA60 at even strength (46.76).

With all due respect to Toews, he should not have been a nominee. I’m not saying that he’s not great defensively, I’m just saying that there were more deserving candidates. This is a two horse race between Kopitar and Bergeron. And darn it, it’s a really close one.

For me, the determining factor of how good someone is is seeing how their team does with said player on the ice and comparing it to how they do without said player on the ice. Bergeron had the second highest CF% relative (team CF% with player on the ice minus team CF% without player on the ice) in the NHL with a 8.99% mark. That’s not even close to Kopitar’s.

I really love Kopitar, but he is not yet ready to claim the throne that belongs to Mr. Bergeron. Someone’s going to have to pry it from Bergeron.

Our ballot:

1. Bergeron. He’s just unfairly good.
2. Kopitar. He’s about as close to Bergeron as it gets.
3. Toews

Next: Jack Adams

2014-2015 NHL Awards: Jack Adams

Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Who is the best coach in the NHL? Well, let me start off by saying that if we’re talking about who played the largest role in his team’s success, I really don’t understand why Barry Trotz wasn’t a nominee. However, this is not a time for whining about snubs, it’s time to evaluate who’s the best coach in the NHL!

Bob Hartley of the Calgary Flames led his team to an improbable playoff birth. He didn’t do it by conventional methods, but through motivating his teammates and figuring out the proper lineup at just the right time, he was able to lead his team to be more than the sum of its parts. He even led them to a playoff series victory. He did that without his best defenseman, by the way. Hartley did a fantastic job.

Peter Laviolette is a stereotypical Jack Adams finalist. Great coach goes to bad team that needs a change. Great coach creates change and makes team much better. That isn’t taking away from what Laviolette did, it’s just kind of funny that at least one finalist a year fits that description. Laviolette really deserves a ton of credit for turning the Predators from a defensive team into an offensive juggernaut so quickly.

Alain Vigneault fits a not so typical stereotype: coach of the best regular season team in the NHL. Vigneault certainly earned it this season as he dealt with various injuries to lead his Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Vigneault doesn’t do it for me because he clearly had the most talent and in the end, got significantly out-coached by Jonathan Cooper. Deciding between Hartley and Laviolette is really tough. I can’t really hold Nashville’s first round exit against them because other than the Lightning, the Predators were the only team Chicago played who even gave them a run for their money. This is really close, but I’ve got to go with Laviolette. Hartley and the Flames got a very weak playoff team in the Canucks in the first round.

Our ballot:

1. Laviolette. Still should be Trotz, but uh, I guess the guy who replaced him is alright too!
2. Hartley
3. Vigneault

Next: Bill Masterton Trophy

2014-2015 NHL Awards: Bill Masterton

Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Bill Masterton Trophy is usually not that well respected among the NHL awards, but I really think it means a lot. It rewards those who persevere. Those who never give up. It’s almost always hard to narrow the field down to just three finalists, as just about every NHL team has a really touching story about a guy who never gave up.

Devan Dubnyk of the Minnesota Wild put forward an effort that will not soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it. He almost single-handedly saved the Wild’s season and carried them into the playoffs. Dubnyk could have quit numerous times in his career, but he never gave up. He persevered. And he triumphed.

Like Dubynk, Andrew Hammond of the Ottawa Senators was in a position to give up his dream of playing in the NHL on numerous occasions. However, he refused to give up. He kept on pushing and eventually, he made it. He’ll be with the team that he carried to the playoffs so valiantly for the next few seasons.

Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins should be the run away winner of this award. He’s overcome a variety of injuries, including I don’t want to think of how many concussions. His biggest triumph? Fighting back from a stroke in January of 2014. So many people would have given up on the NHL after that. Letang is a rarity: he’s someone who outright refused to give up.

Our ballot:

1. Letang
2. Dubynk
3. Hammond

Next: Messier Award

2014-2015 NHL Awards: Messier Award

Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

How am I supposed to know what Mark Messier thinks? He’s literally the guy who decides the finalists and the winner! Well, I’ll try to read his mind, though I must admit I am no psychic. His decision will be a tough one, as he has three great leaders to choose from this year.

Jonathan Toews is arguably the best leader in the NHL. He has captained his Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups. This year, he might have done his best job leading. His leadership helped the Blackhawks to tread water despite losing arguably their best player in Patrick Kane for an extended period of time. Toews led by example and he did everything that his team required of him to win the Stanley Cup.

Andrew Ladd, according to NHL.com, “established career highs with 38 assists and 62 points to propel the Jets to their best campaign in club history. Also known for his leadership role off the ice, Ladd partners with Special Olympics in a variety of fundraisers and activities. Those include tickets to games, meet-and-greets and floor hockey tutorials. This year, Ladd increased his participation with organization – which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities – by serving as the presenter of medals at the Special Olympics Manitoba Games, donating his time in live-auction prizes and attending the Stars ‘FORE’ Special O Golf Tournament as a celebrity host.”

Ryan Getzlaf, according to NHL.com, “led the Ducks with 25-45—70 during the regular season to power the club to its second consecutive Western Conference title. Off the ice, he continued his philanthropic endeavors throughout Orange County, highlighted by the annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout. This year’s event generated more than $300,000 for CureDuchenne, a nonprofit that raises awareness and funds research for those suffering from the progressive muscle-wasting disease. Getzlaf also continued his efforts to grow hockey in Southern California, partnering with teammate Corey Perry to support – both in money and time – the Anaheim Ducks Learn to Play Program, which offers free classes for first-time hockey players ages 4-12.”

With all due respect to Ladd, I’m really glad that he’s finally getting some attention for the great work that he does, but this award is really between Getzlaf and Toews. And with all due respect to Getzlaf, I’d LOVE to hear someone tell me that there’s a better leader in the NHL than Toews. Because there isn’t.

Our ballot:

1. Toews
2. Getzlaf
3. Ladd

Next: NHL Foundation

2014-2015 NHL Awards: NHL Foundation

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL Foundation Award is one of my favorites because it rewards players who are awesome not just on the ice, but off it as well. Hockey players do so much for their community and it’s a lot of fun, at least for me, to hear about what they do. Hockey players are charitable human beings, and this year’s finalists are an excellent example of that.

Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks, according to NHL.com, “is heralded for his passion for giving back to the game and fans who have treated him so well. Over the past nine years, he and his family have supported several military organizations, including Defending the Blue Line, Operation: Care and Comfort, and Folds of Honor. In addition to his support of the service sector, Burns has established “Burnzie’s Buzzcut” — a fundraiser in which he and his teammates shave their heads to raise money and awareness for charities such as the San Francisco Zoo and Katie Moore Foundation, in support of close friend and former teammate Dominic Moore.”

Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames, according to NHL.com, “has demonstrated a strong commitment off the ice throughout his tenure in Calgary. In 2011, Giordano and his wife launched “5-for-5,” a community program — in partnership with Habitat for Humanity — in which they donated $25,000 for three seasons to help build five homes in five countries (including Kenya, Ethiopia, India and the Philippines). He also created Team Giordano in the fall, donating $100,000 to provide resources and support for three Calgary schools. Beyond these personal endeavors, Giordano continues to participate in various team initiatives, including visits to Ronald McDonald House and Alberta Children’s Hospital.”

Henrik Lundqvist, according to NHL.com:

Lundqvist’s on-ice performance has only been matched by his passion for helping those in need. His efforts have included generating awareness, raising funds and increasing the impact of 28 nonprofit charities he supports through a pair of organizations — the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the latter of which he has served as a spokesman for since 2009. Lundqvist also has dedicated time and raised funds for various other causes, including fighting hunger, curing pediatric cancers, improving access to quality education, and aiding children and families in need.

I’m not going to lie, I’m a huge sucker for animals and for Star Wars characters. So Burns, you wookie and animal lover you, you’ve got MY vote!

Our ballot:

1. Burns. Seriously, just such an awesome guy.
2. Giordano. I want him to win so bad because he’s deserved the Norris each of the past two seasons, but what can I say, I’m a sucker for animals.
3. Lundqvist. He’s handsome enough that he doesn’t need any awards.

Next: GM Of The Year

2014-2015 NHL Awards: GM Of The Year

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

There were some very impressive front office performances this year, so narrowing the list down to three finalists had to be a very difficult time, I imagine. Let’s take a look at each of the finalists.

Bob Murray, according to NHL.com:

Murray crafted a Ducks team that posted the top record in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season, captured its third straight Pacific Division title with the second-best record in franchise history (51-24-7, 109 points) and has reached the Conference Finals for the first time since its Stanley Cup win in 2007. Murray acquired center Ryan Kesler in a draft-day trade last June and defenseman Simon Despres at the trade deadline in March, adding to a roster whose core was built through the draft (forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, defensemen Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen, goaltender Frederik Andersen). Murray is a finalist for the third consecutive season; he finished second in voting in 2012-13 and captured the award in 2013-14

Glen Sather, according to NHL.com:

Sather assembled a roster that went 53-22-7 (113 points) during the regular season to set franchise records for wins and points in capturing the third Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history. The Rangers also led the NHL and set club records for road wins (28) and points (58). With a successful mix of 25-and-under standouts (Kevin Hayes, Chris Kreider, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan), veteran draft picks (Carl Hagelin, Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal), trade acquisitions (Derick Brassard, Kevin Klein, Rick Nash, Martin St. Louis, Keith Yandle) and free agents (Dan Boyle, Dan Girardi), the Rangers have advanced to the Conference Finals for the third time in the past four seasons. Sather is a finalist for the first time since the award was introduced in 2009-10.

Steve Yzerman, according to NHL.com:

After leading Tampa Bay to the Conference Finals in 2010-11, his first season in charge, Yzerman oversaw the rebuild to a roster that has returned to the final four with just two holdovers from the 2011 squad, cornerstone center Steven Stamkos and defenseman Victor Hedman. Bolstered by key acquisitions through the draft (Nikita Kucherov, Ondrej Palat), via free agency (Brian Boyle, Valtteri Filppula, Tyler Johnson, Anton Stralman) and trades (Ben Bishop, Ryan Callahan, Jason Garrison), the Lightning set franchise records with 50 wins and 108 points during the regular season. They also led the League with 262 goals and 32 home wins. Yzerman is a finalist for the award for the second time, finishing second in balloting in 2010-11.

My vote for this award goes to Yzerman. I think he’s done an incredible job building the Lightning to be a great team for the foreseeable future. I don’t completely agree with Sather’s biggest move (trading for Yandle). Murray didn’t hit a home run at the trade deadline, and I think that really cost his team in the end.

Our ballot:

1. Yzerman
2. Sather
3. Murray

Next: Ted Lindsay

2014-2015 NHL Awards: Ted Lindsay

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Who knows how the players are going to vote? I’ll at least try to get into their heads on that issue, though I must warn you that I cannot read minds.

Alex Ovechkin, according to NHL.com, “played 81 games for the Washington Capitals during the 2014-15 regular season, and helped lead the Capitals back into the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Ovechkin scored 53 goals to capture his fifth Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13, 2013-14), and he became the sixth NHL player to record six career 50-goal seasons. He led the league in power-play goals (25) and game-winning goals (11), and he finished fourth in points (81) and eighth in points-per-game (1.00), which also earned him his fifth finalist nomination for the Hart Memorial Trophy – an award he has won three times (2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13). Ovechkin is vying for his fourth “Most Outstanding Player” award. He previously received the players’ Award in three consecutive seasons (2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10), and he was also a finalist in both 2005-06 and 2012-13.”

Jamie Benn, according to NHL.com, “played in all 82 regular season games for the Dallas Stars in 2014-15. Benn captured the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in points (87), which he won with a four-point game – including his second hat-trick of the season – on the final night of the regular season. He set career highs in points, goals (35) and assists (52). Benn tied for first in the NHL in even strength points (59), tied for third in even strength assists (36), and he finished third in points-per-game (1.06), sixth in the league in assists, ninth in goals and 11th in average ice-time per game among all forwards (19:56). Benn is seeking his first Ted Lindsay Award as a first-time nominee, and he would become the first Stars player in franchise history to be honoured by his fellow NHLPA members.”

Carey Price, according to NHL.com, “played 66 games for the Montreal Canadiens during the 2014-15 regular season, and helped lead the Canadiens to the second best record in the NHL. Price led the league in wins (44 – a new franchise-best), goals-against average (1.96) and save percentage (.933), which earned him finalist nominations for the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Vezina Trophy. He also claimed the William M. Jennings Trophy, along with Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks. Price would become just the second Canadiens player to receive the players’ Award, following Guy Lafleur (1975-76, 1976-77, 1977-78), and he would also become only the third goaltender to receive the Award, joining Mike Liut (1980-81) and Dominik Hasek (1996-97, 1997-98). Price is a first-time nominee for the Ted Lindsay Award and he is the first goaltender to be nominated since 2011-12 (Henrik Lundqvist).”

I think that Ovechkin should win it, but I think it’ll go to Price.

Our ballot:

1. Price
2. Ovechkin
3. Benn

Next: Calder Memorial Trophy

 2014-2015 NHL Awards: Calder

Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

This year, the NHL saw a huge group of great rookies. Possibly its strongest rookie class of all time. This year’s three finalists certainly had to earn their spot on the list of finalists.

Aaron Ekblad, according to NHL.com, “set club records for goals (12), assists (27) and points (39) by a rookie defenseman. His 39 points were two shy of the NHL record for an 18-year-old defenseman (at the start of the season), set by Bobby Orr in 1966-67 (13-28—41). Ekblad led the Panthers in plus-minus (+12) and was on the ice for 88 Florida goals scored, the most of any player on the roster. The Windsor, Ont., native is aiming to become the second Panthers player to capture the Calder in three years, following Jonathan Huberdeau’s win in 2013.”

John Gaudreau, according to NHL.com, “recorded 24-40—64 to finish in a tie in points with Stone atop the rookie scoring list. He ranked first among all rookies in assists (40) and power-play goals (eight), and topped rookie forwards in average ice time per game (17:43). The 21-year-old Salem, N.J., native recorded his first career hat trick on Dec. 22, becoming the youngest Flames player to do so since Dec. 28, 1987 (Joe Nieuwendyk). Gaudreau is vying to become the first Flames player to earn Calder Trophy honors since Sergei Makarov in 1990.”

Mark Stone, according to NHL.com, “recorded 26-38—64 to finish first in the rookie scoring race. That featured 14-21—35 dating to Feb. 10 (31 GP), including a rookie club record nine-game point streak to end the season (8-5—13). Stone capped his performance with two goals in the season finale to help the team complete its successful playoff drive. He also led all rookies in plus-minus (+21) and shared first in the League in takeaways (98). The 22-year-old Winnipeg native would become the second player in franchise history to win the Calder, joining Daniel Alfredsson in 1996.”

This is an extremely close race, but I think that Gaudreau wins it slightly over Ekblad.

Our ballot:

1. Gaudreau
2. Ekblad
3. Stone

Next: Norris Trophy

2014-2015 NHL Awards: Norris Trophy

Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Doughty, according to NHL.com, “anchored a Los Angeles defense that finished in the top 10 in the NHL in goals against for the sixth consecutive season. He played in all 82 games for the second time in his career (also 2009-10), pacing the League in total time on ice (2,377:40) and ranking second in average time on ice (28:59). Doughty also posted 7-39—46, his second-best offensive season behind 2009-10 (16-43—59), and led the NHL in a number of enhanced statistics categories, including the team puck possession metric SAT (shot attempts differential) – the Kings registered 410 more shot attempts than they allowed with him on the ice at 5-on-5. Doughty is a Norris Trophy finalist for the second time after finishing third in voting in 2009-10.”

Erik Karlsson, according to NHL.com, “led all defensemen in points for the third time in the past four seasons, including a career-high 21 goals (second only to Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 23). He appeared in all 82 games for the second consecutive campaign, ranking third in the NHL in total time on ice (2,234:55) and average time on ice (27:15) to carry the Senators to a 23-4-4 record down the stretch en route to their 15th playoff berth in franchise history. Karlsson also shared first among defensemen in power-play points (30), highlighted by a career-high six power-play goals. He is a Norris Trophy finalist for the second time after capturing the award in 2011-12.”

P.K. Subban, according to NHL.com, “powered a Montreal defense that shared first in the NHL in goals against (189), helping the Canadiens to their best single-season performance since 1988-89. He also skated in all 82 games, producing career highs in goals (15), assists (45), points (60), plus/minus (+21), game-winning goals (5) and shooting percentage (8.8%). Subban ranked fifth in the League in total time on ice (2,148:40) and sixth in average time on ice (26:12) – both career highs. He is a Norris Trophy finalist for the second time after winning the award in 2012-13, when he became the first Canadiens defenseman to earn the honor since 1988-89 (Chris Chelios).”

Personally, I think Karlsson is going to win and he deserves to win. He gets a very unfair reputation of only being an offensive defensemen. He really makes Ottawa a much better team every time he’s on the ice. He had the highest Scoring Chances For Percentage Relative (Scoring Chances For Percentage when Karlsson is on the ice minus SCF% when he’s off the ice) of the trio with an impressive 5.14% mark.

Our ballot:

1. Karlsson
2. Doughty
3. Subban

Next: Vezina

2014-2015 NHL Awards: Vezina Trophy

Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

This year was the year of the goaltender. There were several impressive goaltender performances, which made it very hard for it to narrow down to just three candidates.

Devan Dubnyk, according to NHL.com:

Eight points outside of a playoff spot when he made his team debut on Jan. 15, Dubnyk backstopped the Wild to their third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dubnyk, who set a franchise record with 38 straight starts following his acquisition from Arizona, went 27-9-2 with a 1.78 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and five shutouts after joining the Wild. He was the winning goaltender in 11 of the Wild’s 12 consecutive road wins (Feb. 18 – Apr. 9) that tied the 2005-06 Red Wings for the longest such run in League history. Overall, the first-time Vezina finalist finished the season second in the NHL with a 2.07 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. He also ranked in the top 10 in shutouts (t-4th, 6) and wins (t-6th; 36).

Carey Price, according to NHL.com:

Price led the NHL in wins (44), goals-against average (1.96) and save percentage (.933), becoming the first goaltender to pace the League in all three categories since Ed Belfour accomplished that feat with the Blackhawks in 1990-91. In doing so, the first-time Vezina finalist surpassed a 59-year-old franchise record for wins in one season. Jacques Plante set the former mark of 42 in 1955-56 and equaled the number in 1961-62, while Ken Dryden also reached the milestone in 1975-76. Price’s save percentage was the third-highest in a single season since the NHL began tracking the stat in 1976-77. He also tied for second in the NHL and set a career high with nine shutouts, the most by a Canadiens goaltender since 1976-77 (Dryden: 10).

Pekka Rinne, according to NHL.com:

Rinne, who missed 51 games during the 2013-14 season due to hip surgery and a subsequent bacterial infection, returned to the ice this season and backstopped the Predators to their fifth 100-point season in franchise history and first playoff berth since 2012. He helped Nashville stay in the Central Division title race all season by going 34-7-2 in his first 43 decisions, including a 15-1-1 run from Dec. 16 – Feb. 17, and finished the campaign with a 41-17-6 record in 64 appearances. He tied for second in the NHL in wins, ranked third in goals-against average (2.18) and was seventh in save percentage (.923). A Vezina finalist for the third time, Rinne finished second in voting in 2011 and third in 2012.

I think the clear winner of the Vezina this year is Carey Price.

Our ballot:

1. Price
2. Dubnyk
3. Rinne

Next: You Got The Hart...

2014-2015 NHL Awards: Hart

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Ovechkin according to NHL.com:

Ovechkin scored 53 goals to capture his third consecutive and fifth overall Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy and also posted 81 points – his most since 2010-11 – to power the Capitals to their seventh playoff berth in the past eight seasons. He became the sixth player in NHL history to record six 50-goal seasons, led the League and set a career high/franchise record with 25 power-play goals and also paced the NHL with 11 game-winning goals (equaling a career high set in 2010-11). Ovechkin is a Hart Trophy finalist for the fifth time after winning the award in 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2012-13 and finishing as a runner-up in 2009-10.

Carey Price according to NHL.com:

Price captured his first career William M. Jennings Trophy as well as the sixth in Canadiens history to backstop the club to its best regular season since 1988-89. He led the NHL in wins (44), goals-against average (1.96) and save percentage (.933), becoming the first goaltender to pace the League in all three categories since Ed Belfour in 1990-91. In doing so, Price surpassed Jacques Plante’s 59-year-old franchise record for wins in one season (42), set in 1955-56 and equaled in 1961-62 and 1975-76. He is a Hart Trophy finalist for the first time and the first goaltender among the finalists since 2011-12 (Henrik Lundqvist).

John Tavares according to NHL.com:

Tavares set career highs in goals (38) and points (86) to finish second in the Art Ross Trophy race and lead the Islanders to their best regular-season record since 1983-84. Tavares, who appeared in all 82 games, registered at least one point in 65.9% of his contests (54/82), including a four-game streak to open the season (2-7—9) and a six-game run to close the campaign (4-8—12). He also scored four overtime goals to establish a single-season franchise record and Islanders career record (8). Tavares is a Hart Trophy finalist for the second time after finishing third in voting in 2012-13.

This is a two-horse race, with all due respect to Tavares. How you vote depends on how you feel. Do you prefer an elite goal scorer in a season where goals were at a premium? Or do you prefer the best goaltender in the league? Personally, I think Ovechkin was more valuable to his team than Price was to his. These days, it’s much harder to find a 50 goal scorer than it is to find an elite goaltender. Of course, you wouldn’t be wrong if you voted for Price. It’s all a matter of preference.

Our ballot:

1. Ovechkin
2. Price
3. Tavares

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