Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby nominated for Masterton Trophy

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to “the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey,” according to the league website.

Judging by that criteria, it’s no surprise to learn that Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is on this year’s shortlist of finalists.

May 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) at the face-off circle against the New York Islanders during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Crosby, Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding and Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid were announced as Masterton finalists by the NHL on Tuesday morning. Crosby finds himself in that company primarily because of his battles with post-concussion syndrome that cost him nearly a full season’s worth of games from 2011-12.

Despite his frustrating road back to optimal brain health, Crosby regained the unofficial title of best player in hockey during the abbreviated 2013 regular season. Before a broken jaw sidelined him for the season’s final 12 games, Crosby was leading the NHL scoring race and had returned his game to the rarefied level it reached prior to his initial concussion on Jan. 1, 2011. He finished third in the league with 56 points, an average of 1.55 per game.

A Penguin has won the Masterton twice. Lowell MacDonald took it home in 1973 after overcoming a terrible knee injury, and Mario Lemieux claimed it in 1993 when he led the NHL in scoring despite missing significant time due to debilitating cancer treatments.

The award’s namesake lost his life after hitting his head on the ice while playing for the Minnesota North Stars in 1968. The trophy has been given out upon the conclusion of every NHL season since.

Harding is on this year’s Masterton list because of his ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, an incurable disease which affects motor skills and other bodily functions. McQuaid battled back into game shape after nearly losing his arm to thoracic outlet syndrome last fall.

Crosby has also been named a finalist for the Hart Trophy (most valuable player) and Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player). The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association votes on the Hart and Masterton, with the winners to be revealed during the Stanley Cup Final in late June. The NHL Players’ Association determines who takes home the Lindsay.