Alexander Ovechkin Named Finalist for Hart Trophy

(Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images)

Without a doubt, Alex likes to play a high-octane game. He’ll deliver the wicked one-timer on one offensive series, and in the next sequence he is popping the opponent in the mouth with a timely hit. 

To imply he is a “vicious goon,” like Cherry proclaimed after the Lightning game, is incredulous to me.

I am a homer, and proud of it. But I will remind the velvet-red wearing pseudo-hockey guru that this is a contact sport. Hangnails are not a valid excuse to miss the puck drop. 

Get over yourself, sir. Your audience is bored with the complaining. Every team wants an Ovechkin-type player on their roster, whether they admit it or not. 

There is stiff competition from the other two finalists. Drafted No. 2 behind Ovechkin in 2004, Malkin, in addition to leading the league in points, had the most assists (78).

Malkin is a locker room leader, and is the versatile stud that will cause problems for the good-guys-in-red on Saturday. He can line up on the wing or play center with no hesitation. 

Datsyuk is Detroit’s most consistent scoring threat. On a team full of stars, he plays a solid game every night. He finished fourth in points, with 97 (23 goals, 65 assists).

Pavel deserves a lot of credit for also being nominated for the NHL’s top defensive forward (Selke Trophy), and for being recognized for a player who best combines sportsmanship with performance (Lady Byng Trophy).

The professional hockey league boasts supreme talent that transcends the globe. 

The players share a common goal: To be the best that has ever played the game. Join me in congratulating three worthy men on a job well done.

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