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Penguins: Crosby deserves Hart Trophy

By Rich Donahue

May 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) at the face-off circle against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) at the face-off circle against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins look to close out their series with the Washington Capitals in Game 5 Saturday.

The NHL announced their finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy Saturday, given to the most valuable player in the league.  The Chicago Blackhawk’s Patrick Kane and the Dallas Star’s Jamie Benn were named finalist for the trophy.  Joining them is Penguins captain and center Sidney Crosby, who is being named a finalist for the fifth time in his career.

Despite having two Hart Trophies to his credit, Crosby was not even close to being a contender for MVP in the first part of this season.  He endured a miserable start, mainly due to the terrible system of former coach Mike Johnston.

Two months into the season, Crosby had a merger 15 points (5 goals and 10 assists), an alarming stat line for a player of his caliber.   The whole team was suffering under Johnston, sitting outside of the playoff picture.  The front office finally dumped the former WHL coach midway through December, calling up former Bruins coach Mike Sullivan from the Baby Penguins to take over the reins of the team.

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After a feeling out process in Sullivan’s system, the offense began to click on all cylinders.  The success of the offense was most evident in the improved play of Crosby.  Since the calendar changed to 2016, the Penguins captain  led the NHL with 21 goals, 31 assists and 52 points.  He finished third in the league in scoring behind his fellow finalist Kane and Benn.

Even with the slow start, the writers from Professional Hockey Writers Association, the men and women who vote on the Hart Trophy, should vote Crosby as MVP.  He was able to rally the Penguin on an impressive stretch run to close the season, all without Evgeni Malkin.

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Adding another Hart Trophy to his collection would surely cement Crosby as a Hockey Hall of Famer if he already wasn’t in.  The trophy will also look good sitting next to another trophy, the Stanley Cup.

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