The NHL's current shutout leader Ilya Bryzgalov's final shutout of the season is probably to be the one he deserves the least. June 23rd at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas Bryzgalov is likely to leave empty handed though not for a lack of trying.
Currently second in wins, fifth in goals against average and sixth in save percentage Ilya certainly has the numbers to be a top contender for the Vezina. However, it is the Hart trophy that he is most deserving. No player has been more valuable to their team than Bryzgalov. Take him off the Coyotes roster and you have a basement dweller the likes of Uncle Kenny who won't leave home. Ilya's influence on the team may have reached ever further than in between the posts. He could very well be the player most valuable to all of hockey. As the man most responsible for leading the Coyotes to a 100+ point season and turning them into a serious cup contender he may have saved hockey in Phoenix* and saved the NHL's attempt to gain exposure is the southern markets.
His main competitors for the Hart are Ryan Miller, Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Henrik Sedin and that kid from The Mighty Ducks who shoots the knuckle puck.
Miller's play garnered him significant Hart consideration earlier in the season and although he has struggled of late his early season dominance is likely to matter more come ballot time. His Olympic MVP award shouldn't have an influence on the Hart voting but it certainly helped raise Miller's profile this season. Bryzgalov has been the more consistent of the two netminders while posting a better winning percentage with an inferior team in front of him. And not that it means anything but Bryzgalov did beat Canada 2-1 for a period and a half in the Olympic quarter finals. I just like to point that out whenever I can. Kinda like when a kid trips and their legs come over and kick themself in the back of the head. Classic!
The leading candidate among skaters seems to be Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin's numbers are marginally better than those of Crosby and Sedin but there is more to an MVP season than loading up on points. This year his high point total can be attributed more to the talent around him than his dominance of the game. Linemate Nicklas Backstrom has found his scoring touch thus greatly influencing Ovechkin's assist totals. Ovechkin's case for the Hart may also be hurt by the fact that the Capitals have gone 7-2-1 in games missed by him. Beyond mere numbers the voters might not want to give the award to a guy who has been suspended twice while showing little respect for opposing players and acting above the law. Questions of character shouldn't come into play when awarding players for achievements in their sport but they often do. (See: Generation's greatest 2nd baseman denied first ballot hall vote for spitting on ump then (allegedly) giving girl AIDS.)
Crosby leads Ovechkin in goals despite not being flanked by an elite set-up man like Backstrom. With Bill Guerin on his wing he might as well be receiving feeds from Old Man Higgins down the street. You know the guy with the wonky eye who shouts at the birds. Yeah him. Crosby also proves more valuable by serving time on the penalty kill as well as being one of the leagues top face-off men and leaders. His two way game is also improving rapidly.
Sedin leads the league in points all while averaging over a minute less ice-time per game than Sid and Ovie, however, 29 goals and 75 assists aren't nearly as sexy as 46 goals. Of the three forwards in contention Sedin seems to be the one most valuable to their team this year with Luongo struggling and brother Daniel missing significant time. It has been Henrik's steady play that has kept the Canucks near the top of the standings. If the Hart were awarded for having an unusual, borderline creepy affection for your twin brother then Henrik would win hands down.
Most often the Hart is awarded to the player whose numbers stand out from the rest of the field. This year there is no clear cut leader and the award should be given to the player who has proven to be the most valuable both to their team and to the game. Bryzgalov has been the game's best player but like most people who go to Vegas in June he will leave with no major winnings and heat rash the size of Olli Jokinen's forehead.
*ha ha ha ha ok maybe not. No-one in Phoenix cares about hockey. They are all too busy searching ebay for locks of Steve Nash's hair.
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