The Hart Trophy is voted on by the professional hockey writers' association and awarded annually to the NHL player "judged most valuable to his team." It's the MVP award, and winning it has historically all but guaranteed the winner a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Now that the three finalists have been named, let's breakdown the strengths and weaknesses of each nominee's respective candidacy.
Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins
This is a slam dunk. Crosby led the league in scoring and did so by 17 points. He was used by Penguins coach Dan Bylsma in the most difficult minutes and dominated by any metric. His offensive and under-rated two-way contributions allowed the Penguins to dominate the Metropolitan division despite a rash of blue-line injuries, and a lack of forward depth.
Crosby will win and should win. It's really just a race for second after that.
Ryan Getzlaf - Anaheim Ducks
Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf finished second to Crosby in the points race, and was critical in Anaheim's finishing first in the Pacific Division - the toughest division in the NHL.
Getzlaf was the most efficient scorer in the league this season, and combined with running-mate Corey Perry on the most productive and dynamic forward line in the league.
Claude Giroux - Philadelphia Flyers
Like the Philadelphia Flyers themselves, Claude Giroux got off to a brutal start to the season, scoring zero goals in the first 15 games of the year. Giroux then guaranteed the team would make the postseason, and went on an absolute tear. Giroux finished the year with 28 goals and 58 assists, making good on his guarantee.
