The Hart Memorial Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in the National Hockey League. The 2013-2014 finalists are Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks, and Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers. The Hart Memorial Trophy, is awarded to the player that is judged to be the most valuable to his team. This award is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the conclusion of the regular season. The Hart Trophy will be presented on June 24th at the NHL Awards Show, Encore Theater at the Wynn in Las Vegas.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby has been a finalist for the Hart Trophy three previous times. He won the award in 2006-2007, and was a runner-up in 2009-2010 and 2012-2013. Crosby has battled injuries the past couple of seasons, but not this year. He scored 36 goals, and had a league leading 68 assists. His 104 points resulted in him winning the Art Ross Trophy. Crosby played in 80 games this season. This is the fifth time in his career that he has surpassed the 100 plus point mark.
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
This is the first time that Getzlaf has been nominated for the Hart Trophy. Getzlaf netted a career high 31 goals this season. Getzlaf also had 56 assists, and 87 points. His +28 plus/minus was his second best of his career. Getzlaf helped lead the Ducks to a franchise record 116 points. His season featured seven game winning goals, and a fourteen game point streak. It was a great season for Getzlaf.
Claude Giroux, Philadlephia Flyers
This is the first time that Giroux has been nominated for the Hart Trophy. In late October there is no one that would have expected to have Giroux in this position. Giroux was the catalyst that helped turn around his season and the Flyers season. Giroux tied his career high with 28 goals. He also finished third in scoring with 86 points. Giroux did not score a goal until the 16th game of the season. His nine game point streak helped him jump back into the scoring race. His strong play helped the Flyers jump back into a playoff position.
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