Dethroned

Alex Ovechkin’s run as the league’s most valuable player came to an end Wednesday night as Henrik Sedin collected his first career MVP award.  Also up for the award was Sidney Crosby, who had an outstanding season in his own right.  Ovechkin was looking to become the first player since Wayne Gretzky to win three consecutive Hart Trophies in three consecutive seasons.  Although Ovechkin had the individual statistics to justify winning the award, the team letdowns, disciplinary setbacks, and off the ice incidents potentially played a role in how votes were cast. 

It was an up-and-down year for Ovechkin to say the least.  Not so much with regard to his point production on the ice, but in the trying experiences in Vancouver, the NHL playoffs, and his time in the principal’s office; that of Colin Campbell.  One could argue that the 2010 season was Ovechkin’s best year yet.  Ovechkin finished second in the NHL in scoring, reached the 50 goal plateau for the fourth time in five years, had a career high 59 assists, and was the highest ranking forward in plus-minus with a +45.  It should not a surprise that Ovechkin’s best year offensively coincided with the Capitals’ best season as a franchise in their history.  The Capitals collected their first President’s trophy.  But the team’s failure to advance past the first round in the playoffs certainly didn’t help Ovechkin’s chance of winning a third MVP award. 

Ovechkin certainly didn’t win over many voter’s hearts and minds with his increasing disciplinary wrap sheet.  Ovechkin was suspended for questionable hits on Tim Gleason and Brian Campbell.  The argument will continue to rage as to whether suspensions were warranted for the hits.  Regardless, Ovechkin is a repeat offender and thus his reputation is at risk.  Ovechkin has longed been loved for the passion and energy he brings to the ice every night.  There is a line that can be crossed however.  Ovechkin toes that line with extreme effectiveness.  But as we saw last season, he crossed that line a few occasions.  I anticipate the subsequent suspensions Ovechkin received last season effected the way votes were cast.

But enough with the excuses,  Henrik Sedin was more than deserving the award this year.  He was fantastic.  Sedin finished in the top 10 in points, assists, and plus-minus.  Sedin also set a career high in goals.  Sedin lead the Canucks to a 1o0 point season.  As the Canucks main playmaker, Henrik Sedin put his playmaking prowess on display in all situations.  The Canucks finished with the 6th best power play in the league, the second highest even strength goal ratio (1.24), finished with a goals per game average of 3.27.  Henrik Sedin played roles in all these.  He also lead the Canucks to a division title.  But what stood out most to me was how Henrik performed when his brother Daniel was injured back in December.  Daniel Sedin missed 18 games, and Henrik didn’t miss a bit.  Henrik proved he was able to put the incredible numbers despite his partner in crime being on the shelf.  Henrik is a worthy and deserved Hart Trohpy winner.

The news was not all bad for Ovechkin.  Ovechkin won his third Ted Lindsey award (formerly the Lester B. Pearson).  This is awarded the most outstanding player as voted on by the NHLPA.  This shows that despite the disciplinary troubles and team shortcomings, the players still recognize Ovechkin as the most outstanding player in the league. 

But Ovechkin will be the first to tell you that one trophy is on his mind.  The Stanley Cup has eluded him for yet another season.  That is Ovechkin’s ultimate goal.  Everything else is just a bonus.  Goods news for Caps fans is that Ovechkin should be more motivated than ever next season.  A failure in this year’s playoffs surely has Ovechkin with a bad taste in his mouth.