Why Alexander Ovechkin Shouldn't Win the MVP

Alexander Ovechkin is certainly a talented, young superstar - but why should he win the MVP?  Sure he puts up the points to back it up, but there's a lot more to being the most valuable player in the NHL than that. 

Yes I know he has has almost collected a point on half of Washington's goals this year, but just because he's your teams most valuable player doesn't mean he's the NHL's MVP. 

For example, just take a look at Mats Sundin of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is by far the breath and life of this team, without him, the Leafs are nothing more than a thorn in people's sides. 

Sundin is also half of the offense for his team, so why isn't he garnering any attention for MVP?  Why aren't people talking about Mats like they are of Ovechkin? You know the famous line. "If they make the playoffs he should definitely win the MVP" - or words to such effect.

Or what about a guy named Joe? He happens to be the teams leader in points, and is outscoring the second place player on his team - Brian Campbell - by 30. He just happens to play for the San Jose Sharks.  OH YEAH!  Did I mention the Sharks are a team headed for the playoffs as well.  Not only are they headed to the post-season, but they are currently in 2nd place in their conference.

While we're on the "I put up almost half of my teams points so I should be MVP" bandwagon, let's consider another should-be candidate.

Introducing Jarome Iginla.

He's none other than the leading goal, assist, and point scorer on the Calgary Flames, who are also currently in a playoff position just like conference rivals, San Jose.  At least Iginla has been mentioned as a possible candidate for MVP on many occasions-funny how Thornton hasn't.

One player who hasn't even been mentioned at all, is Marc Savard of the Boston Bruins.  I bet many of you are saying to themselves, "why him?"  Well, he leads Boston in points, by a long-shot. He currently has 26 more points than the next player on the squad - Marco Sturm.

Sure I know Ovechkin has 40 more points than the next player on the stat list - Nicklas Backstrom - but is Ovechkin's team in a playoff spot? 

No.

But Boston is. The Bruins currently hold the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference, so why isn't he garnering any attention for MVP?

Well I've got my own theory on that. It's a theory that I know is shared by many others who enjoy watching the late night hockey games. It's simply this:

The players in the Western Conference, specifically those on the west coast, don't get as much publicity as those in the Eastern Conference.  For those players in the east that I have mentioned, it's also very simple. They aren't flashy dynamic players, they play a simple - unselfish style of play. Unfortunately for these players, that type of style isn't worth paying a ticket for. (unless you're in New Jersey)

If Ovechkin wins the MVP - well then - good for him. But if the Capitals don't make the playoffs then it would be a farce. You don't even have to look at the players I named to find that there is someone else who deserves it just as much. 

Just take a look at some goaltenders for example. Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, and Marty Turco are having MVP-like seasons, and are just as much deserving as any forward. No player whose team does not make the playoffs should ever win the NHL's MVP.